Stowable Vehicle Seat Pivot Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stowable vehicle seat assemblies face challenges in efficiently transitioning between use and stow positions, particularly in compacting the seat back and bottom to maximize vehicle cargo volume, due to limitations in pivot mechanisms and linkage configurations.
Innovation Solution
The seat assembly incorporates a pivot link system with multiple pivot axes and linkage configurations, including a 40/60 split configuration for the seat back and bottom, along with a pivot link mechanism that allows the seat back to fold over the seat bottom, enabling efficient movement between use and stow positions while maintaining support and cargo space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional pivot mechanism is used for the seat assembly, then the structure is simpler, but the seat back cannot efficiently transition to a flat stow position, reducing cargo volume
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is divided into two separate segments (40/60 split configuration) that can pivot independently relative to each other and the seat bottom. This segmentation allows each segment to follow its own optimal pivot path, enabling the entire seat back to fold flat against the seat bottom while using multiple pivot points to achieve the compact stow position
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system employs multiple pivot points with different axes of rotation that allow the seat back segments to dynamically adjust their orientation during the folding motion. The pivot links connect the two seat back segments in a way that enables continuous rotation and reconfiguration, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamically adaptable mechanism that achieves complete flattening
2Volume of moving object
If the seat back is designed to fold flat for maximum cargo space, then cargo volume is maximized, but the mechanism becomes more complex with multiple pivot axes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pivot functions into an integrated linkage system where the pivot links serve dual purposes: connecting the two seat back segments together while simultaneously providing the rotational axes for both segments. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate pivot mechanisms needed while achieving the flat-folding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot links act as intermediary elements between the two seat back segments and the seat bottom frame. These intermediary components transfer and coordinate the rotational motion between different segments, enabling the complex folding sequence that results in a flat stow position without requiring direct multi-axis pivoting at each connection point
3Productivity
If a 40/60 split configuration is used for the seat back, then the seat can fold more efficiently, but the linkage mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The 40/60 split configuration divides the seat back into two segments of different sizes (40% and 60% of total seat back area). This segmentation allows the smaller 40% segment to pivot first, followed by the larger 60% segment, creating an efficient folding sequence that maximizes compactness. The asymmetric division optimizes the folding kinematics for achieving a flat stow position
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism enables dynamic, sequential rotation of the two seat back segments during the folding process. The pivot links are configured to allow the 40% segment to rotate independently first, then the 60% segment follows in a coordinated motion. This dynamic sequential movement optimizes the transition path and achieves complete flattening more efficiently than simultaneous or single-segment rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A stowable seat assembly having a seat back and a seat bottom. The seat bottom has a seat bottom frame that includes a drive link that is pivotally connected to a front link and the seat back. A pivot link is pivotally connected to the drive link and a side member of the seat bottom frame.