Twistable Vehicle Seat Backrest with Switchable Gear Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats are cumbersome for occupants to buckle up safely, especially when the safety belt is located behind the upright backrest, and reaching rear seats while wearing a seat belt is difficult, with existing solutions being heavy and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a power-operated drive device using a single electric motor to twist the backrest relative to its longitudinal axis, allowing independent adjustment of both sides, enabling easier access to the safety belt and rear seats, and providing additional comfort by relieving back strain during long journeys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two synchronized drive units are used to rotate the backrest, then the backrest can be adjusted, but the weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into two independent longitudinal sides that can be adjusted separately. Each side has its own adjustment mechanism, allowing one side to be moved while the other remains stationary or moves differently, enabling rotation without requiring two fully synchronized drive units
Solution Approach 2:
A gear unit acts as an intermediary between a single drive unit and the two backrest sides. The gear unit distributes the drive torque selectively to different sides, enabling the single motor to control both sides independently through mechanical advantage and torque distribution
2Ease of operation
If two synchronized drive units are used to rotate the backrest, then the backrest can be adjusted, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest adjustment function is segmented into independent side adjustments, allowing a single drive unit with a gear mechanism to replace two expensive synchronized drive units, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit with gear unit serves multiple functions: it can adjust both backrest sides independently, rotate the backrest, and potentially provide different torque distributions. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require two separate drive units
3Reliability
If the backrest is kept upright for rigid support, then occupant safety is improved, but accessibility to seat belt and rear seats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest transitions from a static upright position to a dynamic configuration where one side can be adjusted independently. This allows the backrest to rotate or tilt to improve accessibility while maintaining adequate support through the adjustable mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
By allowing independent adjustment of backrest sides, the system enables selective rotation where one side moves to improve accessibility while the other side maintains structural support, resolving the conflict between rigidity and accessibility
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
The solution enhances the comfort and accessibility of buckling up and reaching rear seats, reduces back strain, and prevents fatigue, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a power-operated drive unit with exactly one - preferably electric - drive unit, which allows a power-operated rotation or twisting of the backrest
Implementation Method 2
the drive unit according to the invention has at least one switchable transmission unit by means of which a drive torque generated by the drive unit can be distributed between the longitudinal sides of the backrest
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat (F) comprising a lower seat frame (U), which defines a seat surface, and a backrest (L). The backrest (L) extends along a backrest longitudinal axis (B), and the backrest longitudinal axis (B) runs at an inclination angle relative to the seat surface when the backrest (L) is in a use position in which a person (P) can sit on the vehicle seat (F) as intended. The vehicle seat also comprises a drive device with at least one drive unit (1) which allows the backrest (L) located in the use position to be rotated relative to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) in an actuated manner by an external force, one longitudinal side of the backrest (L) being inclined backwards relative to a pivot axis (A) more steeply than the other longitudinal side. According to the invention, at least one switchable transmission unit (2) is provided, by means of which a drive torque generated by the drive unit (1) can be divided between the backrest longitudinal sides in order to rotate the backrest (L) relative to the backrest longitudinal axis (B).