Vehicle Seat Multi-Link Tilt-Down to Prevent Cushion Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats with a tilt-down function face interference between the seat back and seat cushion when the seat back tilts forward, potentially leaving signs of interference at these points, which affects the smooth operation of the walk-in and tilt-down functions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design incorporating a multi-link mechanism with a support base, seat back, seat cushion, first and second links, and a coupling device that allows the seat back to tilt forward while minimizing interference by shifting the seat cushion toward the support base, using a force transmission device to manage the tilting movement and prevent interaction between the seat back and cushion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat back tilts forwardly to enable the walk-in function, then the space on the rear side of the seat is broadened, but the lower portion of the seat back and the rear portion of the seat cushion interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension of movement to the seat cushion, allowing it to shift downward as the seat back tilts forward. This vertical displacement creates additional clearance in the vertical direction, preventing interference between the lower portion of the seat back and the rear portion of the seat cushion while maintaining the horizontal space broadening effect of the walk-in function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the seat cushion position dynamic by coupling it to the seat back tilting mechanism through a multi-link mechanism. As the seat back tilts forward, the seat cushion automatically shifts downward in response, creating a coordinated motion that prevents interference. This dynamic adjustment ensures clearance is maintained throughout the range of motion.
2Ease of operation
If the seat cushion shifts downward to prevent interference, then the walk-in function operates smoothly, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the walk-in function and tilt-down function into a single integrated mechanism. The multi-link mechanism couples the seat back tilting motion with the seat cushion downward shift, so that one operational input simultaneously achieves both functions. This combination reduces the need for separate mechanisms while enabling smooth operation of both walk-in and tilt-down functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat that includes a support base, a seat back tiltably supported on the support base, a seat cushion, a first link and a second link. Each of the first and second links is pivotally coupled to the support base and the seat cushion, so that a multi-link mechanism is formed by the support base, the seat cushion, the first link and the second link. A coupling device couples the seat back to the first link, so that the first link can pivot relative to the support base and the seat cushion in response to the tilting movement of the seat back. The tilting movement of the seat back causes the seat cushion to shift toward the support base, while a coupling point between the first link and the seat cushion and a coupling point between the second link and the seat cushion move substantially in the same direction relative to the support base.