Under-Seat Storage Bin for Flip-Forward Second Row Seat Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller motor vehicles face compromised storage space due to their size, and existing seating assemblies do not effectively utilize available space for storage.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece storage bin is integrated below a flip-forward second row seat, featuring a horizontally disposed frame member between the seat's lower surface and the floor pan, with vertically extending sides that conform to the floor pan, creating an enclosure that transforms wasted space into usable storage when the seat is in its design position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the vehicle size is reduced, then the vehicle becomes more compact and maneuverable, but the storage space is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the storage bin beneath the lower seating assembly, which itself is elevated above the floor pan. This creates a multi-level storage solution that exploits the vertical space between the floor pan and the seating assembly, effectively adding storage capacity without increasing the vehicle's horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage bin is nested within the space created by the elevated lower seating assembly. The seating assembly acts as a container or enclosure for the storage bin, creating a nested configuration where the bin is housed within the volume defined by the seating assembly's elevation above the floor pan.
2Volume of stationary object
If the lower seating assembly is elevated above the floor pan, then storage space is created, but structural support and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary element that connects the lower seating assembly to the floor pan. This bracket provides the necessary structural support and load transfer path, allowing the seating assembly to be elevated above the floor pan while maintaining structural integrity. The bracket mediates between the elevated seating assembly and the floor pan, distributing loads and ensuring stability.
3Volume of stationary object
If a storage bin is added beneath the seating assembly, then storage capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket for the lower seating assembly is combined with the mounting structure for the storage bin. The same bracket that elevates and supports the seating assembly also serves to mount and support the storage bin beneath it. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure, allowing the storage bin to be added without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly comprises a lower seating assembly having a lower surface displaced above a floor pan, a mounting bracket operably coupling a forward edge of the lower seating assembly to the floor pan, and a storage bin comprising a horizontally disposed frame member disposed between the lower surface and the floor pan, wherein the storage bin, the floor pan, and the lower surface define an enclosure below the lower seating assembly.