Two-axis seat hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-utility vehicles, the need to access storage spaces or mechanical systems beneath seats for maintenance poses challenges, particularly with the integration of sensors and electrical wiring that must be protected from damage during seat removal.
Innovation Solution
A movable seat arrangement featuring U-shaped hinges and brackets allows the seat to be lifted and rotated, with wiring protected by being attached to the hinges, ensuring safe access and maintenance without damaging electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat is removed for access to storage space or mechanical systems, then ease of maintenance and access is improved, but electrical wiring may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped hinge acts as an intermediary component that the wire is attached to, providing a protected pathway for the wire during seat movement. The hinge structure physically shields the wire from damage while enabling the seat to be moved for maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system enables dynamic movement of the seat between fixed and movable positions. The rotatable connections allow the seat to pivot and lift, transforming from a static component to a dynamically adjustable one, facilitating access while maintaining wire protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and electrical appliances are installed in the seat for occupant detection, then compliance with regulations is improved, but complexity of the seat structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped hinge serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection for seat movement, acts as a protective structure for wire routing, and serves as an attachment point for electrical components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical hinge structure with the electrical wire protection function by attaching the wire directly to the hinge. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate protection mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the wire is attached to the U-shaped hinge for protection during movement, then wire protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure serves itself by providing both the mechanical function of enabling seat movement and the protective function of shielding the wire. The existing hinge components are utilized for dual purposes, avoiding the need for additional dedicated protection structures.
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
Facilitates easy access to storage compartments while safeguarding electrical wiring, ensuring compliance with occupant detection regulations and maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a first end of the first U-shaped hinge being rotatably attached to the base and rotating about a first lateral axis, and a second end of the first U-shaped hinge being rotatably attached to the seat frame and rotating about a second lateral axis
Data Source
AI summary
A movable seat for a motor vehicle includes a base fixedly attached to a frame of the motor vehicle, a seat frame having a top side and a bottom side, and a seat cushion fixedly attached to the top side of the seat frame. A U-shaped hinge connects the seat frame to the base, a first end of the first U-shaped hinge being rotatably attached to the base and rotating about a first lateral axis, and a second end of the U-shaped hinge being rotatably attached to the seat frame and rotating about a second lateral axis. A wire that connects a first electrical appliance in the seat cushion to a second electrical appliance is included that is attached to the U-shaped hinge from the first end to the second end.