Sedan Slouch Seat Pivot Mechanism for Fold Flat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sedan type vehicles face limited space constraints that prevent sufficient clearance for rearward pivoting and reclining of seat backs, limiting adjustability and storage space in the rear compartment.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a seat cushion and pivotally coupled seat back that can be adjusted between an upright design position and a reclined slouch position, featuring a sliding fold flat latch mechanism to allow the seat back to pivot between a use position and a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion, facilitated by a seat track assembly and bolster section that moves in conjunction with the seat back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat back is fixedly secured to the vehicle floor, then the seat assembly maintains structural stability, but the adjustability and storage space in the rear compartment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot assembly that allows selective pivotal folding between a use position and a fold flat position. This dynamic mechanism enables the seat back to transition between different configurations, providing both structural stability when needed and enhanced adaptability for storage or comfort adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly is divided into separable components: a seat cushion and a seat back that can be independently positioned. The pivot assembly acts as a separate mechanism connecting these segments, allowing the seat back to be folded flat over the seat cushion to create additional storage space without compromising the overall structural integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If the seat back is pivotally coupled to allow folding, then storage space is improved, but the space required for rearward pivoting and reclining is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring rearward clearance for pivoting, the invention utilizes a forward-folding motion where the seat back pivots forward over the seat cushion. This dimensional change in the pivoting direction eliminates the need for additional rearward space while still achieving the fold flat position for maximum storage space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded flat, the seat back nests over the seat cushion, effectively utilizing the existing seat cushion volume as part of the storage space. This nesting configuration maximizes the use of available space within the seat assembly footprint without requiring additional clearance area.
3Ease of operation
If a recliner assembly is added for seat back adjustment, then occupant comfort is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The folding and reclining functions are merged into a single pivot assembly mechanism. The same pivot assembly that enables the seat back to fold flat for storage also provides selective pivotal adjustment for reclining to different angles, thereby improving occupant comfort without requiring a separate, complex recliner assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assembly serves multiple functions: it enables the seat back to fold flat for storage, allows reclining to different angles for comfort, and maintains structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while providing both storage capability and comfort adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for movement between a use position and a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion. A seat track assembly is coupled to the seat cushion for providing selective adjustment of the seat assembly between an upright design position and a reclined slouch position wherein the seat back is automatically pivoted rearwardly in response to forward sliding movement of the seat cushion. A sliding fold flat latch mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back for slidably guiding the seat back during movement of the seat assembly between the upright design position and the reclined slouch position and for actuation between a locked condition retaining the seat back in the use position and an unlocked condition allowing pivotal movement of the seat back to the fold flat position.