Vehicle Seating Assembly Recline Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seating assemblies that recline require significant space and are typically limited to front or mid rows due to space constraints, limiting their installation in rear rows where space is more restricted.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly design featuring a seatback panel that pivots to a reclined position, with a cushion that slides down and a base that supports the panel, allowing the seat to slide upward when the panel reclines, utilizing a linkage system to facilitate this movement and maximize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seatback pivots to a reclined position with the seat portion remaining stationary, then the seatback can achieve a reclined position, but it requires ample area behind the seating assembly which is not available in rear rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seatback recline function with seat forward movement into a single integrated mechanism. When the seatback pivots to a reclined position, the linkage system automatically slides the seat forward on the base, merging two movements into one coordinated action that resolves the space conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the seatback rearward in the horizontal dimension (which requires space behind the seat), the patent introduces movement in the longitudinal dimension by sliding the seat forward on the base. This dimensional shift allows recline functionality in rear rows where horizontal space is constrained.
2Device complexity
If the seat portion remains stationary while the seatback reclines, then the recline mechanism is simpler, but the useable space in the vehicle is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The seating assembly performs multiple functions through a single mechanism: it provides seatback recline, seat forward movement, and optimized space utilization. This multi-functionality allows the same mechanism to serve both comfort (recline) and space efficiency (forward slide) purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the stationary seat portion into a dynamic component that can slide forward on the base. This dynamic adjustment allows the seating assembly to adapt its configuration to maximize useable space while maintaining recline capability, making it suitable for various vehicle layouts including rear rows.
3Ease of operation
If seating assemblies are located in front row or mid row to accommodate recline space requirements, then recline function is available, but rear rows cannot utilize this feature due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recline functionality in rear rows by shifting the movement from the horizontal dimension (rearward pivot) to the longitudinal dimension (forward slide on base). This dimensional change removes the spatial constraint that previously limited recline availability to front and mid rows only.
Solution Approach 2:
The base with concave guide elements acts as an intermediary that facilitates the seat's forward sliding motion. This intermediary mechanism enables the seatback to recline in rear rows by providing the necessary movement pathway that overcomes the space constraints of rear row installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback having a panel movable to a reclined position and a cushion slidably coupled with the panel to slide down in the reclined position. A base is pivotally supporting the panel and has a concave portion. A seat has a bottom portion slidably coupled with the concave portion for sliding the seat to an upward angle when the panel moves to the reclined position.