Vehicle Thigh Support with Spring-Biased Rack and Catch Tilt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle seating assemblies face challenges in accommodating diverse passenger sizes, shapes, and desired sitting positions, requiring innovative solutions for enhanced comfort and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a pivotally coupled thigh support and spring-biased lever system, featuring a rack with teeth that engage a catch on the seat base, allowing for manual adjustment of the thigh support's angle via a handle, providing independent leg support and comfort customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed thigh support design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different passenger sizes and positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the thigh support adjustable rather than fixed. The thigh support can be tilted to different angles and locked into position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different passenger needs. This is achieved through the tilt mechanism with multiple lockable positions, allowing the same device to serve multiple purposes for different body types and comfort preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seat into independently adjustable components. The thigh support is separated from the main seat structure and can be adjusted independently, allowing customization of leg support without affecting the rest of the seat. This modular approach enables adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanism is used, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ease of operation compared to motorized systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the spring-biased lever mechanism. The spring automatically provides the force needed to move the thigh support, and the lever with teeth and catch members enables the user to easily lock the support at desired positions without requiring external power or complex controls. The system serves itself by using spring energy rather than requiring motorized assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the lever with teeth and catch members as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual input and the thigh support adjustment. This intermediary translates small manual forces into effective positioning actions, making the manual adjustment process easier and more precise while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
3Reliability
If spring-biased lever system with teeth and catch members is used, then the reliability of position locking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using spring members to maintain constant pressure on the teeth and catch members. This pre-applied force ensures that the locking mechanism remains engaged and reliable throughout operation, compensating for any wear or dimensional variations before they become problematic. The spring continuously cushions and maintains the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the lever assembly: it serves as both the actuating lever for adjustment and the structural element containing the teeth that engage with catch members. This consolidation of functions into a single integrated component achieves reliable position locking while minimizing the number of separate parts and overall device complexity.
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
Enables exceptional comfort and independent leg support adjustment, accommodating various passenger sizes and preferences, with manual or motorized adjustment options for long travel comfort and durability at minimal costs.
Implementation Method 1
The thigh support is spring-biased relative to the seat base to a raised position
Implementation Method 2
The lever is spring-biased to a raised position relative to the thigh support
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base. A thigh support is pivotally coupled to and extends forward from the seat base. The thigh support is spring-biased relative to the seat base to a raised position. A lever is operably coupled to a center portion of the thigh support by a hinge. The lever is spring-biased to a raised position relative to the thigh support and includes a rack with a plurality of teeth proximate the hinge. The teeth of the rack are configured to engage a catch projecting from the seat base. A handle extends transversely from the lever. The handle is operable to disengage the rack from the catch.