Toyota has recently filed a patent application titled “Kinetic Seat Cushions For Vehicles” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on February 2, 2023. Published on June 8, this innovative concept explores the integration of seat cushions with built-in shock absorbers to enhance the driving experience.
The proposed design involves mounting the seat cushions on a subframe, enabling them to respond to external forces by moving accordingly. By adopting this technology, Toyota aims to minimize driver fatigue by restricting excessive body movement. The seat assembly’s pivoting motion serves to stabilize the driver within the seat, countering the effects of forces encountered during maneuvers like cornering or traversing uneven terrain.
This concept bears a resemblance to the IsoDynamic Performance Seat, a feature set to debut in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Toyota’s official materials highlight the reduction of driver fatigue and the preservation of a stable field of vision by employing a movable seat design, complemented by shock absorbers that dampen any potential disruptive movements.
Similar to the IsoDynamic Performance Seat, the patent application showcases a seat design equipped with two shock absorbers integrated into the seatback and an additional pair beneath the seat itself. This configuration grants the seat the ability to pivot and tilt as necessary. Occupants can adjust the extent of movement through the vehicle’s user interface, tailoring the experience to their preference.
Given that the IsoDynamic Performance Seat is already set for production exclusively in the 2024 Tacoma TRD Pro, the introduction of a second movable seat design by Toyota would be unexpected. It is plausible that this patent application primarily serves as a preventive measure, ensuring other automakers do not replicate a similar concept in their own vehicles.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about kinetic seats
What is the concept behind Toyota’s patented Kinetic Seats?
Toyota’s Kinetic Seats incorporate built-in shock absorbers to reduce driver fatigue and enhance stability. The seat cushions are mounted on a subframe, allowing them to respond to external forces by moving accordingly, keeping the driver centered and minimizing the effects of forces during maneuvers.
How do Kinetic Seats work to reduce driver fatigue?
The pivoting motion of the seat assembly helps stabilize the driver within the seat, preventing excessive body movement. By countering the forces experienced during cornering or driving over uneven terrain, the seats aim to minimize fatigue and provide a more comfortable driving experience.
Are Kinetic Seats similar to the IsoDynamic Performance Seat in the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro?
Yes, both Kinetic Seats and the IsoDynamic Performance Seat share a similar design intent. They both focus on reducing driver fatigue and stabilizing the driver’s field of vision. Both designs feature shock absorbers to dampen seat movement, ensuring it does not transfer to the occupant.
Can the movement of the Kinetic Seats be adjusted?
Yes, occupants can adjust the amount of movement of the Kinetic Seats through the vehicle’s user interface. This allows drivers to customize their seating experience based on personal preferences.
Is Toyota planning to introduce the Kinetic Seats in production vehicles?
While Toyota has filed a patent application for the Kinetic Seats, it is unclear if they have plans to introduce this specific seat design in production vehicles. The IsoDynamic Performance Seat is already slated for production exclusively in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, which may suggest that the Kinetic Seats patent is primarily aimed at protecting their design from being used by other automakers.
More about kinetic seats
- Toyota Official Website
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- [2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro](link to specific page if available)
- [IsoDynamic Performance Seat](link to specific page if available)
5 comments
i can’t wait to try out those kinetic seats in the new toyota tacoma trd pro! they’re gonna make off-roading even more comfortable and stable. toyota always brings cool features to their vehicles.
it’s smart of toyota to file a patent for the kinetic seats. they don’t want other automakers stealing their ideas. gotta protect your innovations, right? can’t wait to see if it actually makes it into production cars.
as someone who loves going on outdoor adventures, these kinetic seats could be a game-changer. no more getting thrown around during off-road trips. toyota is always pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.
toyota really knows how to innovate! kinetic seats sound like a great idea, reducing driver fatigue and all. i wonder if other car companies will copy this design. patent it, toyota!
so these seats move with the car’s forces? sounds interesting, but i’m not sure if it’s really necessary. i’ve driven for years without this fancy technology and managed just fine. maybe it’s more for off-roading enthusiasts.