Vehicle Seat Offset Base for Expanded Loading Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats that fold to free up loading space are limited by their size and do not provide adequate protection against shifting elements when in the folded position, preventing the use of long loads in the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A bench seat design with an offset rear central base connected to a protective wall, which maintains protection against shifting elements and allows for a larger loading space by positioning the rear central base to accommodate foot movement and using additional protective walls to secure loads, enabling the seat to be folded without compromising protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the seat is folded down to free up loading space, then the loading space under the seat is increased, but the protection against shifting elements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented from the seat structure. The protective panel is separated from the seat and fixed to the floor, while the seat can be folded independently. This allows the protective function to remain in place even when the seat is folded down, resolving the contradiction between loading space and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective panel acts as an intermediary element between the seat and the elements in front of the seat. This panel remains fixed to the floor and provides continuous protection regardless of the seat position, mediating between the need for loading space and the need for protection against shifting elements.
2Volume of moving object
If the seat size is reduced to increase loading space, then the loading space under the seat is increased, but the protection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented from the seat structure. The protective panel is separated from the seat and fixed to the floor, while the seat can be folded independently. This allows the protective function to remain in place even when the seat is folded down, resolving the contradiction between loading space and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective panel serves multiple functions: it protects elements in front of the seat from shifting, provides structural support, and remains effective regardless of seat position. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain protection capability while maximizing loading space.
3Device complexity
If the protective panel is retracted with the seat, then the seat folding mechanism is simplified, but the protection against shifting elements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented from the seat structure. The protective panel is separated from the seat and fixed to the floor, while the seat can be folded independently. This allows the protective function to remain in place even when the seat is folded down, resolving the contradiction between loading space and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective panel is extracted from the seat assembly and fixed independently to the floor. This extraction allows the seat to be folded without the protective panel, simplifying the folding mechanism while maintaining protection. The protective panel is taken out as a separate, stationary component.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a seat (100) for a vehicle, including a first seat portion (101) and a second seat portion (102) that are adjacent to one another, said seat including a rear central base (101d) providing resistance to a force generated at the safety belt points located between the two seat portions, and characterized in that said rear central base is transversely offset so as to clear a space for loading, which is wider than the second seat portion and which is located beneath the second seat portion and beneath at least part of the first seat portion.