Third-Row Seat Securing Mechanism for Trunk Space Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles with three rows of seats face challenges in optimizing trunk loading space and ensuring safety when bulky objects are transported, as drivers must return to retrieve rear seats and secure them to prevent movement during accidents.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of securing means that allow third-row rear seats to be easily fixed in the trunk, blocking them against second-row intermediate seats when folded, optimizing trunk space and ensuring safety by using hooks and straps to secure the seats in place, even during accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the third-row rear seats are folded and separated from the frame to maximize trunk space, then the loading volume is optimized, but the seats cannot be easily retrieved and require additional securing equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrunk loading volumeVSAvoidease of seat retrieval and securing
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing means are pre-installed on the vehicle body, specifically on the second-row intermediate seat and the chassis. When the third-row seats need to be stored, the driver simply needs to fold the seats and engage them with the pre-positioned securing means, eliminating the need to return to retrieve securing equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The securing system is designed to be self-contained within the vehicle structure. The securing means include components that automatically engage with the seat frames when the seats are folded into the storage position, allowing the system to secure itself without external intervention or additional equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Volume of moving object

If the third-row seats are kept in the boot to optimize loading space, then trunk volume is maximized, but safety is compromised as the seats cannot be properly secured against movement during accidents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrunk loading volumeVSAvoidsafety of seat securing
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing means combine multiple securing functions into a single integrated system. The first securing means secure the third-row seats to each other, while the second securing means secure them to the vehicle chassis, creating a unified securing arrangement that ensures safety during transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing means are specifically designed with appropriate local characteristics - the first securing means are positioned to engage with the seat frames at critical points, while the second securing means are anchored to the chassis at structurally sound locations, ensuring optimal securing performance at each location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If securing means are added to block the third-row seats against the second-row seat, then safety and space optimization are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and space optimizationVSAvoidcomplexity of securing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing means serve multiple functions simultaneously. The first securing means both secure the third-row seats to each other and prevent them from moving forward, while also facilitating the folded storage position. The second securing means both anchor the seats to the chassis and prevent lateral movement, reducing the need for separate securing devices

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

Solution Approach 2:

The securing system is integrated into the existing seat structure and chassis. The securing means are positioned within the folded seat configuration, with components nested within each other - the third-row seats are folded against the second-row seat, which itself is folded against the first-row seat, creating a compact nested arrangement that is secured by the integrated securing means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2723607B1Motor vehicle having folding seats
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 RENAULT SA
  • EP2723607B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2723607B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2723607B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a chassis on which three rows (10, 30, 50) of seats are mounted, including: at least one front seat (11); at least one middle seat (31) which is capable of being folded down and which is movably mounted on the chassis between a use position and a storage position in which it is folded down against the front seat; and at least one rear seat (51) which is capable of being folded and which can be separated from the chassis. According to the invention, the motor vehicle comprises stowage means (62) for locking the rear seat against the middle seat and in a storage position when said rear seat is folded and separated from the chassis.