Swivel Vehicle Seat Structure That Holds the Cushion Frame Upright

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seats face issues with interference and damage when rotated without being folded up, and there is difficulty in maintaining the folded-up state during swiveling due to the seat cushion frame folding down.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat structure with a swivel device, a swivel lever, a hook, and an elastic body that engages with a fixing pin to prevent the seat cushion frame from folding down during swiveling, using a swivel device that includes a floor plate with fixing grooves and rotating plates to maintain the folded-up state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the seat cushion frame is made foldable to enable swiveling, then the seat can be rotated to create space, but the seat cushion frame may fold down unintentionally during swiveling causing interference and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswiveling capabilityVSAvoidmaintained folded-up state
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hook structure is engaged with the fixing pin before swiveling begins, creating a preliminary counteracting force that prevents the seat cushion frame from folding down during the swiveling process. This preliminary anti-action ensures the frame remains stable throughout the rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The hook acts as an intermediary component between the swivel lever and the seat cushion frame. It transfers and maintains the engaged state with the fixing pin throughout the swiveling process, ensuring the frame remains properly positioned during rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the swivel device is unlocked for rotation, then the seat can be moved freely, but the seat cushion frame loses stability and may fold down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswivel operationVSAvoidseat cushion frame stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hook and swivel lever are combined into a single rotating assembly that moves together. When the swivel lever rotates to unlock the swivel device, the hook simultaneously maintains engagement with the fixing pin, merging the unlocking function with the stability maintenance function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook-swivel lever assembly dynamically adjusts during operation. The hook remains engaged with the fixing pin during swiveling to maintain stability, and can be disengaged when needed, providing dynamic control over the frame's constrained movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent folding down, then frame stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintended foldingVSAvoidswivel mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hook structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking mechanism to prevent unintended folding, serves as a connection element between the swivel lever and frame, and maintains the engaged state throughout swiveling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is segmented into a separate hook component that can operate independently from the main swivel mechanism. This segmentation allows the locking feature to be added without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the hook is a discrete, simple element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Prevents the seat cushion frame from folding down during swiveling, ensuring smooth rotation and reducing interference with surrounding structures, while maintaining the folded-up state until a designated angle is reached.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body configured to connect the swivel lever and the seat cushion frame, and the elastic body may apply force to the swivel lever so that the hook is maintained in a state of being engaged with the fixing pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a hook rotated together with the swivel lever to fix the seat cushion frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 3

a swivel device configured to swivel the seat frame assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical motion:

Data Source

PatentEP4617113A1Vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 HYUNDAI TRANSYS INC
  • EP4617113A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617113A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617113A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle seat may include a seat frame assembly including a seat cushion frame being folded up and down, a swivel device configured to swivel the seat frame assembly, a swivel lever configured to unlock the swivel device, and a hook rotated together with the swivel lever to fix the seat cushion frame.