Train Seat Support Structure with Displaceable Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structures for vehicle seats in vehicles, such as train seats, lack adjustability to enhance seating comfort and do not allow for easy maintenance or replacement of components, as they are typically fixed in position.

Innovation Solution

A support structure with a first stationary element attached to the wall and a second movable element that can be displaced relative to the first, allowing for adjustable inclination of the seat and backrest, and facilitating easy replacement of components by using guide rails and screw connection elements for secure attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the support structure is made fixed and rigid, then structural stability is improved, but seat adjustability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidseat adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple segments: a fixed first support element attached to the wall, and a movable second support element that can be displaced relative to the first. This segmentation allows the overall structure to maintain stability while enabling local adjustability through the movable segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second support element is designed to be displaceable relative to the first support element, transforming the support structure from a completely static system to a dynamic one that can adapt its configuration. This allows the seat to change inclination angles while the first support element remains fixed to maintain structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the support structure is made fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but maintenance difficulty worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the support structure into separable first and second support elements with standardized connection interfaces (guide rails and screw connection elements), the design maintains manufacturing simplicity through modular components while enabling easy maintenance by allowing the second element to be detached and replaced independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rails and screw connection elements are pre-designed with standardized interfaces that facilitate quick assembly and disassembly. This preliminary design of connection mechanisms allows maintenance personnel to quickly replace defective components without complex tools or procedures, addressing the maintenance difficulty while keeping manufacturing straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the second support element is made movable relative to the first, then seat comfort is improved, but structural complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat comfortVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable functionality is isolated to the second support element, which is segmented from the fixed first support element. This segmentation allows the complexity of movement mechanisms to be contained in a separate module, simplifying the overall design while still providing seat inclination adjustment for comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rails are designed with curved geometries that guide the second support element's movement path, enabling smooth inclination changes. The curved design simplifies the mechanical guidance system compared to complex actuation mechanisms, achieving seat comfort through geometry rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3330121B1Support structure
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 GRAMMER AG
  • EP3330121B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3330121B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3330121B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Supporting structure for supporting at least one vehicle seat of a vehicle, in particular a train seat, and for attaching the at least one vehicle seat to a wall or floor of a vehicle cabin, wherein at least one vehicle seat can be arranged on the supporting structure in a longitudinal direction, wherein the supporting structure has a first supporting element which can be attached to the wall and a second supporting element which can be connected to the vehicle seat and to the first supporting element, wherein the second supporting element is displaceable relative to the first supporting element.