Repositionable Vehicle Seat Assembly for Third-Row Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat assemblies do not provide sufficient ease of access, as a substantial portion of the second row seat remains in the pathway between passengers and the exit even after being folded and slid forward, and the installation and removal of booster seats are difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A repositionable seat assembly with a frame attached to the vehicle, featuring a seat bottom and back that can be moved between seating and stowed positions, with mechanisms for locking and releasing, and the ability to pivot and slide, allowing for improved access and the option to elevate the seat bottom for booster use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second row seat is folded and slid forward, then access to the third row is improved, but a substantial portion of the seat remains in the pathway blocking full access
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into separable components (seat bottom and seat back) that can be independently repositioned. The seat bottom can be detached from the seat back, allowing the seat bottom to be stored in a forward position while the seat back remains in place, completely clearing the pathway without requiring complex full-seat repositioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat bottom is extracted and separated from the seat back assembly. This allows the seat bottom to be removed from the pathway entirely and stored in a forward position, while the seat back remains positioned for potential use, achieving complete pathway clearance with simpler mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If booster seats are installed separately on existing rear seats, then larger children can be accommodated, but installation is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used as a regular seat, configured as a booster seat by positioning the seat bottom on the seat back, or completely stowed. This eliminates the need for separate booster seat installations and allows quick reconfiguration between adult and child seating needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly incorporates dynamic repositioning capabilities where the seat bottom can be easily moved to rest on the seat back, transforming the seat into a booster configuration. This dynamic transformation is achieved through simple manual operations rather than complex installation procedures, reducing time loss significantly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat bottom is elevated for booster use, then larger children can be accommodated, but the mechanism for elevation adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of elevating the entire seat assembly or adding complex elevation mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by placing the seat bottom on top of the seat back. This simple inversion creates the elevated booster position without requiring motors, hydraulics, or complex mechanical elevation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly includes a frame operably attached to a vehicle. A seat bottom is operably attached to the frame. The seat bottom is repositionable between a seating position and a stowed position. A seat back is operably attached to the frame. The seat back is repositionable between a seating position and a stowed position. The seat back rotates about a longitudinal axis during repositioning of the seat back between the seating and the stowed positions. A method of repositioning the seat assemblies includes repositioning a seat bottom between a seating position and a stowed position, and repositioning a seat back between a seating position and a stowed position about a longitudinal axis. Another seat assembly includes a seat bottom operably attached to the frame with at least one pivoting link and at least one sliding link. The seat bottom is repositionable between a seating position and an elevated position.