Wall-Mounted Vehicle Seat Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structures for vehicle seats in commercial vehicles, which are typically attached to the floor, occupy valuable space, complicate cleaning, and are costly due to heavy, large leveling feet, and do not allow for flexible arrangement or easy replacement.

Innovation Solution

A support structure that attaches vehicle seats to the cabin wall using shell-like support elements with a detachable rail-like mounting system, allowing for adjustable placement and easy assembly, featuring a rigid connection for stability and lightweight design to minimize disruption and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If support structures are attached to the floor with large leveling feet, then mechanical stability is ensured, but the space under vehicle seats is lost and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidspace under vehicle seat
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from floor attachment to wall attachment, changing the spatial dimension from horizontal (floor level) to vertical (wall level). This dimensional shift allows the support structure to be positioned above the vehicle seat rather than below it, preserving the previously occupied under-seat space for luggage storage while maintaining mechanical stability through wall mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If heavy leveling feet are used for stable support, then mechanical stability is ensured, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure employs adjustable support elements with modifiable geometric parameters (such as inclination angles and positioning) rather than relying on heavy material mass. By changing the structural parameters and configuration of lightweight materials, the system achieves the required mechanical stability without the need for costly heavy leveling feet

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure utilizes composite construction combining multiple materials with complementary properties - lightweight materials for the main structure provide cost-effectiveness, while strategic use of stronger materials in critical load-bearing areas ensures mechanical stability. This composite approach replaces the need for uniformly heavy construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If support structure parts are arranged on the floor, then vehicle seats can be supported, but cleaning of the driver's cab becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport functionVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is extracted from the floor area and repositioned to the wall mounting location. This extraction removes the obstructive support elements from the cleaning path on the floor, allowing cleaning equipment and personnel to access the entire floor surface without obstruction, while the support function is maintained through wall attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If fixed support structures are used for vehicle seats, then mechanical stability is ensured, but flexibility in seat arrangement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidseat arrangement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into modular segments including adjustable support elements and detachable connection components. This segmentation allows individual elements to be independently positioned and configured, enabling flexible seat arrangements while each segment maintains sufficient mechanical stability through its design and connection to the wall mounting system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Stability of the object's composition

If complex support structures are used for stable mounting, then mechanical stability is ensured, but assembly and replacement become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates detachable connections and adjustable elements that transition from static fixed mounting to dynamic reconfigurable mounting. The detachable connection elements allow for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining mechanical stability when connected, and the adjustable components enable adaptation to different configurations without requiring complex reassembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3178692B1Support structure for vehicle seats
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 GRAMMER AG
  • EP3178692B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3178692B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3178692B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Support structure (1) for vehicle seats of a vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle, for attaching the vehicle seats (2a, 2b) to a wall (8a) of a vehicle cabin, wherein at least one, preferably at least two, vehicle seats can be arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction (1x) of the support structure, wherein the support structure comprises a first support element (4) which can be attached to the wall, a second support element (5) which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the support structure next to the first support element and rigidly connected to it, and a third rail-like support element (6) which is connected to the at least one vehicle seat on an upper side (6z1) and to the first and/or the second support element on a lower side (6z2) by means of a detachable connection (14a, 14b), wherein the first and the second support element are designed as shell-like elements which are located in an interior (4i,5i) are designed to be free of supporting structures and open in the direction of the third supporting element (4z1, 5z1).