Vehicle Swivel Seat Stop Control for Variable Rotation Limits
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel seat systems in vehicles, such as agricultural and industrial tractors, lack the capability to accommodate the wide range of angular movement necessary for modern operations, limiting flexibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system with adjustable stop elements and a control system that allows for automated or operator-controlled setting of permitted seat rotation angles, utilizing actuators and sensors to manage seat rotation based on vehicle conditions and operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If basic stop elements are used to limit seat rotation, then the seat rotation is constrained to fixed angles, but the system cannot accommodate wide ranges of seat angular movement necessary in modern vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The stop assembly is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator mechanism that can change the position of the stop element relative to the seat. This allows the permitted angle of rotation to be varied between a first angle (when the seat is in a first position) and a second angle (when the seat is in a second position), transforming a static limitation system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameter of the stop assembly configuration by adjusting the position of the stop element. This parameter change enables the seat to have different permitted rotation angles depending on whether the vehicle is in forward or reverse gear, or other operating modes, without requiring a complete redesign of the stop mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stop positions are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the system cannot easily change the permitted angle of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The stop assembly incorporates an actuator-driven adjustment mechanism that allows the stop position to be changed during vehicle operation. This dynamic capability is integrated into the existing seat rotation mechanism, adding adjustability without requiring a completely separate complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop assembly serves multiple functions: it limits seat rotation to safe angles, it can be adjusted based on gear selection (forward/reverse), and it works integrally with the existing seat mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
3Reliability
If automated control is implemented to adjust stop positions based on operating conditions, then vehicle safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback signals from the vehicle's gear selection mechanism or other operating condition sensors and automatically adjusts the stop assembly position accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the seat rotation is always limited to safe angles appropriate for the current operating mode without requiring constant manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system for the stop assembly is merged with the existing vehicle control systems, such as the gear selection mechanism or electronic control unit. This integration allows the stop position to be adjusted based on overall vehicle operating conditions without requiring a completely separate complex control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the permitted angular rotation of a vehicle operator's seat about a vertical axis relative to the vehicle. The system has first stop rotatable with the seat and second stop mechanism carried by the vehicle for engagement by the first stop to limit the angular rotation of the seat relative to the vehicle. Controls adjust the second stop assembly to allow variation in the permitted angle of rotation of the seat dependent on various factors including the direction of travel of the vehicle, the orientation of the seat, and/or the mode of operation the vehicle.