Fold-Out Vehicle Seating With Authorized Access and Trunk Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat arrangements that can be folded out or in do not provide secure and convenient access for unauthorized users, risking theft and not optimizing trunk space for temporary seating needs.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allow authorized users to control the folding of a seat arrangement using a control unit, camera, and mobile application, ensuring only authorized users can activate the fold-out function and confirming the trunk is clear of objects, with third-party access for comfortable seating and secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat arrangement is made accessible to third parties for comfortable seating, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against theft and unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the seat arrangement and users. It receives activation commands from authorized users via electronic vehicle keys or mobile devices, and only then permits third parties to operate the seat arrangement. This intermediary control mechanism enables public access while maintaining security through authorized user mediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system provides feedback about the trunk's content status to the control unit. The control unit monitors whether the trunk is free of objects that should not be present, and only allows seat arrangement activation when the trunk is confirmed clear. This feedback loop ensures security while enabling convenient third-party access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trunk is used for temporary seating by third parties, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of object theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification through the camera to confirm the trunk is free of objects before allowing the seat arrangement to be activated. The authorized user must also confirm via electronic key or mobile device that the trunk is clear. This preliminary action prevents theft by ensuring no valuable objects are present before third-party access is granted.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that coordinates between the seating function and theft prevention. It processes activation commands from authorized users, verifies trunk clearance through camera feedback, and then enables third-party access. This intermediary mechanism allows the trunk to adaptively serve as seating while maintaining security protocols.
3Ease of operation
If the seat arrangement is folded out into the area accessible from outside, then the comfort for third parties is improved, but the trunk space for storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat arrangement is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between folded-in and folded-out states. When third parties need seating, the arrangement folds out from the trunk into the accessible area, providing comfortable seating while temporarily reducing trunk storage volume. When not in use, it folds back in to restore full trunk capacity. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch between seating and storage functions as needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for operating a seat arrangement (3) which can be unfolded from or in a vehicle (2). The device (1) comprises a control unit (4) which is designed to receive and carry out an activation command (B) from an authorized vehicle user and third person for unfolding the seat arrangement (3) from a region inside the vehicle into a region accessible from outside the vehicle (2). The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating a seat arrangement (3) which can be unfolded from or in a vehicle (2), and to a vehicle (2).