Swivel Seat Kickstand Mechanism for Fore-Aft Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive seat assemblies with swivel mechanisms often experience excessive fore-aft movement or 'chuck' when in a stadium position, which is amplified by tall seat backs, leading to an uncomfortable experience for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly design incorporating a kickstand mechanism with a double-hook latch that operatively couples to a striker on the base structure, minimizing fore-aft movement by stabilizing the seat cushion when latched, allowing for smooth rotation between seating and rearward-facing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a swivel mechanism is used to allow rotation between forward-facing and rearward-facing positions, then seating versatility is improved, but fore-aft chuck and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand mechanism dynamically adjusts the seat assembly's stability characteristics. When deployed, it provides fore-aft stabilization during swivel rotation; when retracted, it allows full rotational movement. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between movement freedom and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickstand acts as an intermediary element between the seat cushion and the vehicle floor. It mediates the interaction by providing temporary fore-aft support during rotation, allowing the swivel mechanism to function smoothly without excessive chuck, thus enabling both versatility and stability.
2Ease of operation
If the seat cushion is pivotally coupled to allow rotation between seating and stadium positions, then seating comfort is improved, but fore-aft chuck is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand mechanism dynamically responds to the seat cushion's pivotal movement. As the seat transitions between seating and stadium positions, the kickstand adjusts its engagement to provide fore-aft stability when needed, reducing the amplified chuck effect while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickstand mechanism preemptively counteracts the fore-aft chuck that would be amplified by the pivotal coupling. By providing opposing stabilizing force before the chuck occurs, it reduces the perceived movement while allowing the seat to pivot smoothly between positions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to lock the upper plate to the lower plate, then positional stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kickstand mechanism is merged with the existing swivel mechanism's locking system. The kickstand integrates with the upper or lower plate structure, combining stabilization and locking functions into a unified system, thereby improving positional stability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The kickstand mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides fore-aft stabilization during rotation, acts as a mechanical stop, and works in conjunction with the locking mechanism to enhance positional stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly in an automotive vehicle has a base structure, a swivel mechanism fixedly coupled to the base structure, and a seat cushion pivotally coupled to the swivel mechanism. The seat cushion is pivotable between a seating position and a stadium position. The swivel mechanism is configured to selectively rotate the seat cushion between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The seat assembly includes a plurality of strikers projecting from the base structure and a kickstand mechanism having a kickstand and a latch mechanism. The kickstand is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion and operatively coupled to the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to releasably latch to an adjacent one of the strikers when the seat cushion is in the seating position. The kickstand mechanism minimizes fore-aft movement of the swivel mechanism when the latch mechanism is latched to the adjacent one of the strikers.