Low-Posture Zero-Gravity Seat Frame With Underseat Belt Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero-gravity seat designs for new energy vehicles face challenges such as poor comfort due to swinging mechanisms, high costs, large installation spaces, and ineffective seatbelt retraction during zero-gravity adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A low-posture zero-gravity seat frame with multiple directional adjustments, featuring compact driving devices for angle and height adjustments, a seatbelt retractor positioned underneath the seat frame to avoid interference, and a leg rest that can be elevated and extended to accommodate different passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric recliner or push rod is used for zero-gravity adjustment, then seat adjustment function is achieved, but installation space requirement increases and low-posture arrangement becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The seat adjustment system is divided into multiple independent modules: headrest adjustment mechanism, backrest angle adjustment mechanism, and seat cushion height adjustment mechanism. Each module operates independently with its own driving device, allowing compact arrangement and reducing overall installation space while maintaining full zero-gravity adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimension adjustment to multi-dimensional adjustment by enabling independent adjustment in three dimensions: vertical height (seat cushion), angular orientation (backrest), and positional alignment (headrest). This dimensional expansion allows achieving zero-gravity effect in a compact space configuration
2Ease of operation
If cam structure is used in electric recliner, then seat adjustment is enabled, but comfort deteriorates due to wave-like swinging motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic cam structure from the adjustment mechanism and replaces it with direct-driven modular mechanisms. The headrest uses a dedicated adjusting mechanism, the backrest uses an independent angle adjustment mechanism, and the seat cushion uses a separate height adjustment mechanism, eliminating the wave-like swinging motion caused by cam structures while maintaining smooth adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple identical modular adjustment mechanisms (one for each adjustment dimension) rather than a single complex cam-based mechanism. Each module is a simplified copy of the basic adjustment unit, providing consistent and reliable performance without the complications of cam structures
3Adaptability or versatility
If seatbelt retractor is installed on seat body for zero-gravity seats, then installation flexibility is improved, but seatbelt functionality fails when backrest angle changes exceed 27°
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seatbelt guide structure as an intermediary component between the seatbelt retractor and the passenger. The guide structure includes a guide hole that moves synchronously with backrest angle changes, ensuring the seatbelt path remains properly aligned regardless of backrest position. This mediator allows the retractor to be installed on the seat body while maintaining reliable function across all adjustment ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The seatbelt guide structure provides automatic feedback adjustment: as the backrest angle changes, the guide hole position adjusts accordingly to maintain proper seatbelt alignment. This passive feedback mechanism ensures the seatbelt remains functional throughout the entire adjustment range without requiring active control or limiting the backrest angle
4Adaptability or versatility
If large adjustment range is provided for zero-gravity seats, then comfort is improved, but seatbelt safety deteriorates due to ineffective restraint during emergency braking or collision
Solution Approach 1:
The seatbelt guide structure acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between backrest angle and seatbelt path. The guide hole ensures the seatbelt maintains proper alignment with the passenger's body regardless of backrest position, allowing large adjustment ranges while maintaining safety during emergency situations
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is pre-configured with a guide hole at the appropriate position for each backrest angle. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the backrest is adjusted to any angle within the large range, the seatbelt is already properly aligned to provide effective restraint, eliminating the need for manual realignment and ensuring safety is maintained across all positions
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a low-posture zero-gravity seat frame capable of being adjusted in multiple directions. A first left front connecting rod has a lower end hinged to a left slide rail front bracket and an upper end hinged to one end of a second left front connecting rod, and the other end of the second left front connecting rod is hinged to a front horizontal tube. A second toothed plate driving device is able to adjust the height of a seat framework through the movement of a rear horizontal tube. A seatbelt retractor is disposed below the seat framework. The seat frame can realize zero-gravity adjustment, occupies a small space, and can fulfill low-posture seat arrangement.