Second-Row Seat Pivot Assembly for Compact Manual Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compact and stowable vehicle seats are often uncomfortable for a wide range of occupants due to design constraints that limit the incorporation of comfort features, such as power tilt adjustments, and must balance comfort with minimal size and weight to optimize fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible seat assembly with a manual, tiltable or pivotable lower seat that adjusts in height about an axis near the occupant's hip bones, using a linkage system and collapsible struts for angle adjustment, allowing for easy adjustment without additional aids, and featuring adjustable legs for a stadium position to enhance cargo space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power tilt mechanisms are added to adjust seat angle, then comfort is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cushion is designed to pivot manually about an axis near the occupant's hip bones, allowing the occupant to adjust the seat angle using their own body weight and movement without requiring powered mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates motors, sensors, and control systems while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pivot axis location to be proximate to the area of the seat receiving the most applied mass (near the hip bones). This parameter change in pivot location creates a mechanical advantage that enables easy manual adjustment while supporting a wide range of occupant sizes and weights.
2Volume of moving object
If space is minimized for compact vehicle design, then fuel economy is improved, but comfort features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly incorporates a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows the seat cushion to rotate about a vertical axis near the occupant's hip bones. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the seat to adapt to different occupant preferences and sizes within a compact footprint, providing comfort without requiring additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The manually pivotable seat design serves multiple functions: it accommodates a wide range of occupant sizes, provides adjustable comfort positions, and maintains a compact vehicle footprint. This universal design approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized features that would consume additional space.
3Weight of moving object
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used instead of powered systems, then weight is reduced, but adjustment ease may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the pivot axis location to be proximate to the area of the seat receiving the most applied mass (near the hip bones). This parameter change creates a favorable moment arm that reduces the effort required for manual adjustment while maintaining structural integrity and support for various occupant weights.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables occupants to perform the adjustment function themselves using their body weight and natural movements, eliminating the need for heavy powered mechanisms. The manual pivot system is engineered to be operated easily through normal occupant movement and weight distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable seat assembly providing a compact size with the ability to pivot or tilt the lower seat frame manually and independent of the seat back. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion is configured to pivot about an axis that is proximate to the area of the seat receiving the most applied mass, typically near the hip bones of the seat occupant. The present invention uses a linkage system to create the defined pivot for angle adjust and stow combined with a collapsible strut to give defined angle adjustment, while remaining compact, cost effective and lightweight. The adjustable legs in some instances may also extend to allow the seat to enter a stadium position, thereby increasing potential cargo and space options in the vehicle.