Honda is proposing a new mounting system, allowing it to install what can only be called a sofa.
The main components of this new technique are transverse and side body mounts. Honda’s sofa will be attached to these mounts. The actual seating components include a main seat frame, an attached seatback, and outboard bolsters mounted to the side body mounts.
As illustrated in the image below, the main seat frame will be mounted to the transverse mount, which is bolted to the floor. The seatback is mounted to the main seat frame and the side mounts, which makes it a strong enough anchor for a seatbelt.
Usually, a manufacturer would claim the benefits in the patent application, but Honda only states that this new seating arrangement will impact the vehicle’s aesthetics. We agree that it may be a more pleasing seat installation than a bench. The middle passenger will benefit the most, as their buttocks will no longer be draped over the gaps between the small center seat and the rear outboard seats.