Vehicle Seat Hinge Layout for Flat Folding Without Rearward Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats in second or third rows face challenges in transitioning from a nominal to a folded configuration due to limited space, requiring complex cushion shapes and resulting in reduced comfort and increased cost, while also struggling to maximize space above the backrest in the folded position.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a base connected to the floor, a seating portion frame hinged to pivot about a transverse axis, and a backrest also hinged to pivot, with a system of connecting rods that allows the backrest to be pressed against the seating portion frame in the folded position, enabling the front edge of the seating portion frame to move closer to or further from the floor without rearward displacement of the rear edge, thus simplifying the transition and maximizing space above the backrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the seat transitions from nominal to folded configuration using existing designs, then the folded position is achieved, but the rear edge of the seating portion frame displaces rearward and complex cushion shapes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the movement of the backrest from the movement of the seating portion frame by introducing independent hinge means. The backrest pivots about a first transverse axis while the seating portion frame pivots about a second transverse axis, allowing each component to move independently and simplify their respective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces hinge means as an intermediary mechanism between the backrest and the seating portion frame. This hinge means includes connecting rods that transmit and coordinate the movement between the two components, enabling the backrest to fold without forcing the seating portion frame into complex configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat transitions from nominal to folded configuration, then the folded position is achieved, but the rear edge of the seating portion frame displaces rearward
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the hinge axes movable or adjustable. The first transverse axis about which the backrest pivots is positioned differently from the second transverse axis about which the seating portion frame pivots. This dynamic positioning of axes allows the rear edge of the seating portion frame to remain substantially stationary during the folding transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional relationship between the backrest pivot axis and the seating portion frame pivot axis. By positioning the first transverse axis forward of the second transverse axis, the folding motion occurs in a coordinated manner that prevents rearward displacement of the seating portion frame's rear edge.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex cushion shapes are used to achieve folded position, then the transition is possible, but comfort is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the folding mechanism into independent rotational movements about separate axes. This allows each component (backrest and seating portion frame) to use simpler, more standard cushion shapes that are easier and less costly to manufacture, while still achieving the folded configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the hinge axes, specifically positioning the first transverse axis forward of the second transverse axis. This parameter change enables the folding transition to occur with simpler cushion geometries, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the adaptive folded configuration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat comprising a base, intended to be connected to the floor of the vehicle, a seating portion frame, hinged to the base so as to pivot about a transverse axis of the seat, a backrest hinged to the base so as to pivot about the transverse axis of the seat, hinge means connecting the seating portion frame to the backrest, configured so that the pivoting of the backrest relative to the base about the transverse axis causes the pivoting of the seating portion frame relative to the base about the transverse axis. The hinge means are also configured so as to connect the seating portion frame to the floor in order to move the front edge of the seating portion frame closer to or further away from the floor, the rear edge remaining fixed relative to the base.