Stowable Seat Base with Hinged Legs for Off-Road Vehicle Cargo Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles often lack space for cargo due to the presence of automotive seats, which are cumbersome to remove and unsuitable for comfortable sitting when placed flat on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A stowable seat base with a frame, hingedly coupled leg assemblies, and a latch assembly that allows the seat to be securely positioned on the frame, enabling easy deployment and stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If automotive seats are removed from off-road vehicles to increase cargo space, then cargo capacity is improved, but the seats become unsuitable for comfortable sitting when placed flat on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The seat base incorporates hinged leg assemblies that allow the structure to dynamically change from a flat configuration during storage to an elevated, angled configuration during use. This dynamic transformation enables the seat to provide comfortable seating height and posture when deployed, while maintaining a compact flat profile for vehicle storage.
2Ease of operation
If beach chairs are kept in off-road vehicles to provide seating, then seating availability is improved, but they occupy valuable cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The seat base serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural mounting platform when the seat is installed in the vehicle, and transforms into a standalone elevated seating structure when deployed outdoors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate beach chairs, as the automotive seat combined with the transformable base provides both in-vehicle and outdoor seating capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg assemblies are designed to nest within the frame structure when in the stowed position, with the legs folding into the space between the frame and the ground. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume occupied by the seat base during vehicle transport, maximizing cargo space availability.
3Ease of operation
If a stowable seat base with hinged legs is used, then seating comfort outside the vehicle is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seat base is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid frame structure, hinged leg assemblies, retention pins, and latch mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling independent assembly and replacement, thereby managing overall system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages with the frame to secure the leg assemblies in the deployed position. This self-latching feature eliminates the need for manual fastening operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The stowable seat base allows for the use of automotive seats outside the vehicle, providing a comfortable seating solution while conserving space in the vehicle for other cargo.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion spring is coupled to the latch assembly and urges the latch assembly towards a closed position
Implementation Method 2
A first leg assembly is hingedly coupled to the first side member and the second side member
Data Source
AI summary
A stowable seat base includes a frame with a first side member, a second side member, a first cross member coupled to the first side member and the second side member, and a second cross member coupled to the first side member and the second side member. A first leg assembly is hingedly coupled to the first side member and the second side member. A second leg assembly hingedly coupled to the first side member and the second side member. A first d-shaped loop coupled to the first cross member of the frame. A latch assembly is coupled to the second cross member of the frame and is configured to retain a seat on the frame. Other seat bases and coupling mechanisms are also disclosed herein.