ONE-PIECE COMPOSITE UPHOLSTERED NOSE

Abstract

Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (8) comprising a lower seat assembly (12) and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14), wherein the seat backrest assembly (14) is pivotably coupled to the lower seat assembly (12) such that the seat backrest assembly (14) can be moved between an upright and inclined position relative to the lower seat assembly (12), wherein the lower seat assembly (12) comprises the following: a lower seat frame base (18) with a pair of longitudinally extending mounting rails (30), a pair of side frame elements (32) operatively connected to the mounting rails (30), and a transverse cross tube (34) operatively connected to and extending between a front section (36) of the pair of side frame elements (32); and a lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) attached to the lower seat frame base (18), the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) further comprising a one-piece composite pan (44) with a front edge (58), a suspension system (46) attached to and supported by the one-piece composite pan (44), a one-piece composite nose (48) with a rear edge (88) pivotably attached near the front edge (58) of the composite pan (44), and a forward-pointing engagement element (100) pivotably and operatively connected to the transverse cross tube (34).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to a lower seat cushion and suspension module for a seat assembly for a motor vehicle with a one-piece cushion nose and in particular to a lower seat cushion and suspension system module which is provided with integrated modular mounting features and frontal dynamic hip support. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Modern automotive seating assemblies are becoming increasingly comfortable as designers refine their understanding of human ergonomics, posture, and comfort. Seating assemblies incorporating comfort components can provide drivers and passengers with enhanced comfort and extended durability on long journeys. Furthermore, the varying sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers can pose a challenge when designing a seating assemblies. Therefore, aesthetically pleasing seating assemblies, featuring components optimized to accommodate the different sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers, as well as their desired postures and seating positions, are becoming increasingly important.At the same time, such motor vehicle seat assemblies must also assist in restraining a motor vehicle occupant in the event of an impact, particularly a frontal impact.

[0003] Consequently, current automotive seat assemblies now contain hundreds of discrete parts. Assembling such current automotive seat assemblies requires bringing these hundreds of parts together to form a final automotive seat assembly, typically employing so-called "Kanban" or "Just-In-Time" (JIT) assembly processes to achieve the complete automotive seat assembly. Using such assembly processes, it has been found that it is advantageous to modularize the automotive seat assembly into discrete sub-assemblies to reduce the costs of final assembly. This allows the sub-assemblies to be sourced from a location independent of the final JIT assembly line.An improved automotive seat assembly module design was desired to meet all the requirements for the automotive seat assembly, in particular a lower seat cushion and suspension module to provide these assembly advantages, as well as a new look for the design.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2015 207 489 A1 is known from the prior art. This describes a structure for attaching a spring element to a seat cushion frame, wherein the spring element is attached to a front and a rear tube.

[0005] US Patent 8,662,483 B2 describes a shock absorber for a vehicle seat, wherein the shock absorber includes spring elements and is suspended from a seat frame.

[0006] Furthermore, US 2009 / 0309397A1 describes a vehicle seat and a restraint device, wherein the vehicle seat has spring elements attached to a tube.

[0007] EP 2 985 179 A1 describes a seat pan and a suspension system for attachment to a vehicle seat frame. The seat pan and the suspension system can be mounted on a cross member.

[0008] CN 2 05 059 354 U describes a seat assembly in which a vehicle seat includes a tiltable front cushion module. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising a lower seat assembly and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly, wherein the lower seat assembly comprises a lower seat frame base with a pair of longitudinally extending mounting rails, a pair of side frame elements operatively connected to the mounting rails, and a transverse cross tube operatively connected to and extending between a front section of the pair of side frame elements.A lower seat cushion and suspension module is attached to the lower seat frame base, the lower seat cushion and suspension module further comprising a one-piece composite pan with a front edge, a suspension system attached to and supported by the one-piece composite pan, a one-piece composite nose with a rear edge pivotably mounted near the front edge of the composite pan, and a forward-facing engagement element pivotably and operatively connected to the transverse cross tube.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lower seat assembly comprises a lower seat frame base with a transverse cross tube extending between a front section of a pair of side frame elements, and a module attached to the lower seat frame base, comprising a one-piece composite pan with a front edge and a one-piece composite nose with a rear edge pivotably attached near the front edge of the composite pan, and an engagement element pivotably connected to the transverse cross tube.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle seat assembly comprises a lower seat assembly and an upward-extending seat backrest assembly. The lower seat assembly comprises a lower seat frame base with a pair of longitudinally extending mounting rails, a pair of side frame elements operatively connected to the mounting rails, and a transverse cross tube operatively connected to and extending between a front section of the pair of side frame elements. A lower seat cushion and suspension module is attached to the lower seat frame base, the lower seat cushion and suspension module further comprising a one-piece composite pan with a front edge, a suspension system attached to and supported by the one-piece composite pan, and a one-piece composite nose with a rear edge.which is pivotably mounted near the front edge of the composite pan via a pair of pivot pins arranged on the outer edges of each of the one-piece composite pan and the one-piece composite nose, the one-piece composite nose further comprising a lower surface and a plurality of integrated molded forward-facing modular mounting hooks arranged on the lower surface, each of the integrated molded modular mounting hooks pivotably and flexibly engaging with the transverse cross tube for modularly attaching the lower seat cushion and suspension module to the lower seat frame base, the front edge of the one-piece composite pan further comprising an inclined bearing surface against which the weight of an occupant of the motor vehicle seat assembly is pressed in a frontal impact event, such thatthat the one-piece composite nose rotates forward and upward around the integrated molded modular mounting hooks, and the rear edge of the one-piece composite nose rotates upward around the pivot pin to lift the front edge of the one-piece composite pan.

[0012] These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present invention are understandable and comprehensible to the person skilled in the art after reading the following description, the patent claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Description of the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a motor vehicle equipped with the motor vehicle seat assembly of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective front view of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. 3 is a stretched perspective front view of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective front view of the lower seat frame base of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of the lower seat cushion and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the lower seat cushion and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective front view of the one-piece composite pan, the one-piece composite nose and the suspension system of the lower seat cushion and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly. Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the one-piece composite pan, the one-piece composite nose and the suspension system of the lower seat cushion and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 9 is a top view of the one-piece composite pan, the one-piece composite nose and the suspension system of the lower seat cushion and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly. Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. 10 is a perspective front view from above of the one-piece composite nose of the lower seat cushion and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. 11 is a perspective front view from below of the one-piece composite nose of the lower seat cushion and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; and Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective front view from above of the one-piece composite pan and the one-piece composite nose of the lower seat cushion and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly. Fig. 1 according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0014] With regard to the references in the figures, the same reference symbols may be used here to refer to the same parameters and components, or to similar modifications and alternatives. For the purposes of the description in this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and variations thereof refer to the present revelation in its orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical properties in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. The drawings referred to herein are schematic representations, and related views are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0015] Regarding the Fig. 1 and Fig. Reference numeral 2 generally designates a motor vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle 8, comprising a lower seat assembly 12 and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly 14. The seat backrest assembly 14 preferably carries a headrest 16. The seat backrest assembly 14 is pivotably coupled to the lower seat assembly 12 such that the seat backrest assembly 14 can be moved between an upright and an inclined position relative to the lower seat assembly 12. The headrest 16 is operatively and preferably slidably connected to the seat backrest assembly 14 and is also positioned in a plurality of positions and heights relative to the seat backrest assembly 14 to support the head and neck of a driver or front passenger.

[0016] In relation to Fig. The lower seat assembly 12 comprises a lower seat frame base 18, to which a lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 is attached, as will be discussed in more detail below. A decorative plastic cover 22 is attached to the lower seat assembly 12 and around the seat cushion and suspension module 20. The seat backrest assembly 14 comprises a seat backrest frame 24, an upper seat backrest cushion and suspension module 26, a seat backrest panel module 28, and the headrest 16.

[0017] How best to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the lower seat frame base 18 of the lower seat assembly 12 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending mounting rails 30, a pair of side frame elements 32 operatively connected to the mounting rails 30, and a front transverse cross tube 34 operatively connected to and extending between a front section 36 of the pair of side frame elements 32. A rear transverse cross tube 38 is preferably operatively connected to and extending between a rear section 40 of the pair of side frame elements 32. One or more additional cross elements 42 may be provided to which the various features and accessories for the motor vehicle seat assembly 10 can be attached, such as solenoids and motors (not shown) for operating the various seat adjustment mechanisms.

[0018] A particularly advantageous feature of the present disclosure is the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20, which can be assembled at another location and shipped to the final assembly site for attachment to the lower seat frame base 18. By virtue of the features integrated into the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 according to the present disclosure, the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 can be easily mounted to the lower seat frame base 18 and consequently to the motor vehicle seat assembly 10.

[0019] In particular, the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 includes a one-piece composite pan 44, a suspension system 46 which is attached to and supported by the one-piece composite pan 44, and a one-piece composite nose 48. As shown in the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the one-piece composite pan 44 is preferably formed as an integrated and uniform structure from a rigid plastic material containing reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers, via an injection molding process. The one-piece composite pan 44 generally consists of a front transverse element 50, a rear transverse element 52, and a pair of opposing longitudinal side elements 54 connecting the front transverse element 50 and the rear transverse element 52. A generally rectangular opening 56 is defined by the front and rear transverse elements 50, 52, and the opposing longitudinal side elements 54. A front edge 58 is provided on the front transverse element 50 of the one-piece composite pan 44, which interacts with the one-piece composite nose 48, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0020] Preferably, the one-piece composite pan 44 supports the suspension system 46 within the generally rectangular opening 56 to flexibly support the weight of an occupant seated in the motor vehicle seat assembly 10. The suspension system 46 generally comprises a pair of metal, preferably spring steel, wires 60 of a nominal thickness, bent in a regular and alternating manner and extending between the front transverse element 50 and the rear transverse element 52, as best shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows that the ends 64 of each pair of metal wires 60 are bent over and thus attached to the rear transverse element 52. A front section 68 of the suspension system 46 includes a pair of forward-extending buckles 70 of each of the metal wires 60, which are received in an integrated modular pad spring attachment engagement element 74, as will be described in more detail below. At regular intervals between the metal wires 60, opposing transverse connectors 76 and adjacent transverse connectors 78 connect the metal wires 60 in an operational manner. A central connector 80 is located essentially in the center of the generally rectangular opening 56 and connects each of the pairs of metal wires 60 to one another in an operational manner.The result is a suspension system 46 which has a spring network arranged within the generally rectangular opening 56 and which provides flexible support against the weight of the occupant in a motor vehicle seat assembly 10.

[0021] As in the Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. As best shown in Figure 12, the one-piece composite nose 48 is also formed as an integrated and uniform structure from a rigid plastic material containing reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers, via an injection molding process. The one-piece composite nose 48 is generally formed as a concave planar structure having a top surface 82 and a bottom surface 84, a raised leading edge 86, a lowered trailing edge 88, and a pair of raised opposite side edges 90. As shown in Figure 12, the one-piece composite nose 48 is formed as an integrated and uniform structure using an injection molding process from a rigid plastic material containing reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers. Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the lowered rear edge 88 is pivotally mounted near the front edge 58 of the one-piece composite pan 44. That is, opposing pivot pins 92 extend from the lower surface 84 of the one-piece composite nose 48 onto substantially vertically extending sections 94 formed on each of the raised opposite side edges 90. A pair of opposing pivot holes 96 is formed in a substantially vertically extending section 98 formed on each of the opposite longitudinal side elements 54 near the front edge 58 of the one-piece composite pan 44. The substantially vertically extending sections 94, 98 on each of the one-piece composite nose 48 and the one-piece composite pan 44, respectively, overlap near the lateral side of the motor vehicle seat assembly 10 when assembled.During assembly, the opposing side edges 90 of the one-piece composite nose 48 are bent inwards, allowing the opposing pivot pins 92 to be inserted into the opposing pivot holes 96. Once the opposing side edges 90 of the one-piece composite nose 48 are released, the opposing pivot pins 92 snap into place and are secured within the opposing pivot holes 96, thus enabling pivoting movement between the one-piece composite pan 44 and the one-piece composite nose 48 when assembled.

[0022] The one-piece composite nose 48 further comprises a plurality of forward-pointing engagement elements 100 arranged on its lower surface 84. The forward-pointing engagement elements 100 include a plurality of integrated, molded modular mounting hooks 102. The plurality of integrated, molded modular mounting hooks 102 are in turn configured as a series of flexible, forward-pointing fingers that are uniformly arranged across and dependent on the transverse width of the lower surface 84 of the one-piece composite nose 48. Preferably, four integrated, molded modular mounting hooks 102 extend across the width of the one-piece composite nose 48.As a particularly advantageous feature of the present disclosure, each of the integrated molded modular mounting hooks 102 is designed to engage with the front transverse cross tube 34 to facilitate the modular attachment of the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 to the lower seat frame base 18. The integrated molded modular mounting hooks 102 also provide a pivot connection with the front transverse cross tube 34, which allows the one-piece composite nose 48 to pivot about the front transverse cross tube 34 after the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 has been attached to the lower seat frame base 18.

[0023] A rear section 106 of the one-piece composite nose 48 near the lowered trailing edge 88 of the one-piece composite nose 48, as shown in the Fig. 7, Fig. 9 and Fig.As shown in Figure 12, the integrated modular upholstery suspension fastening engagement element 74 forms, which is functionally and pivotably connected to the suspension system 46. In particular, the integrated modular upholstery suspension fastening engagement element 74 comprises a pair of forward-facing integrated molded suspension system hooks 112, which extend over the upper surface 82 of the one-piece composite nose 48. Each of the forward-facing integrated molded suspension system hooks 112 is designed as a forward-facing finger that engages with each of the pair of forward-facing buckles 70.

[0024] The forward-facing, integrated, molded suspension system hooks 112 extend over the upper surface 82 of the one-piece composite nose 48, uniquely enabling the pivoting attachment of the suspension system 46 of the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 to the lower seat assembly 12 of the vehicle seat assembly 10. As described in more detail below, this pivoting motion provides improved support against a forward-directed impulse from an occupant during a frontal impact event and also improves the durability of the attachment of the suspension system 46 of the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 throughout the entire service life of the vehicle seat assembly 10.

[0025] The pivot relationship between the lowered rear edge 88 of the one-piece composite nose 48 and the front edge 58 of the one-piece composite pan 44 is particularly advantageous in the dissipation of such a forward-directed impulse when used in combination with an inclined bearing surface 116 provided along the front edge 58 of the front transverse element 50 of the one-piece composite pan 44. The inclined bearing surface 116 provides a surface against which the weight of an occupant in the motor vehicle seat assembly 10 is forced in a frontal impact event, such that the one-piece composite nose 48 rotates forward and upward about the integrated molded modular mounting hooks 102 and the lowered rear edge 88 of the one-piece composite nose 48 rotates upward about the opposite pivot pin 92 to lift the front edge 58 of the one-piece composite pan 44.The resulting structure assists in restraining the occupant within the vehicle seat assembly 10. Preferably, the structure is designed to dissipate the energy exerted by a 95th percentile dummy during a frontal impact event, while also supporting the occupant's hips to prevent them from "submerging." Preferably, the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 further comprises a lining layer 118 and a foam layer 120, which are arranged in a parallel relationship to each other. Furthermore, the lining layer 118 and the foam layer 120 each have a plurality of fastening devices 122 arranged around a circumference 124 thereof.As a further advantageous feature of the present disclosure, the raised front edge 86 and the opposing side edges 90 of the one-piece composite nose 48 further comprise integrated molded retaining elements 126 which accommodate a fastening device 122 of the lining layer 118 and the foam layer 120, and which fasten the lining layer 118 and the foam layer 120 to the lower seat cushion and suspension system 20 in order to enable the modular assembly of the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 to the lower seat assembly 12.

[0026] As described above, the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 of this disclosure provides integrated modular assembly features and supports JIT assembly practices by modularizing the lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 into a single module. This reduces final assembly costs by allowing this assembly to be performed at a location independent of the traditional JIT assembly facility. The lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 described above also provides improved frontal dynamic hip support and energy dissipation in a frontal impact event. The one-piece composite pan 44 and the one-piece composite nose 48 advantageously utilize a joining technique to obtain high-strength composite structures, while integrating various advantages and features into a cost-effective and robust design, resulting in a novel design appearance.

[0027] It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the design of the present disclosure and other components is not limited to specific materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure presented herein can, unless otherwise described, be constructed from a wide variety of materials.

[0028] In the present disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms such as couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally denotes the direct or indirect connection of two (electrical or mechanical) components to one another. Such a connection may be essentially immovable or movable. Such a connection may be achieved by forming the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intervening elements in one piece with each other or with the two components as a single, unified body. Unless otherwise specified, such a connection may be essentially permanent or essentially removable or detachable.

[0029] In the present disclosure, the term "functionally connected" generally denotes the functioning of one component in relation to another component, even if other components are arranged between the first and second components, and the term "operable" defines a functional relationship between the components. It is equally important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments, serve only for illustrative purposes. Although only some embodiments of the present innovations are described in detail in the present disclosure, it is readily apparent to the person skilled in the art, considering this disclosure, that, unless otherwise described, many variations are possible (e.g.,Variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc., without substantially deviating from the new principles and advantages of the subject matter. For example, elements depicted as being manufactured in one piece may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements depicted as being manufactured in multiple parts may be manufactured in one piece; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise modified; the length or width of the structures and / or elements or connecting links or other elements of the system may be changed; and the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be altered.It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system can be constructed from a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications are included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operating positions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0030] It is understood that all described processes or steps within the described processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed here serve only for illustrative purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0031] It is also understood that variations and modifications to the above-mentioned structures and methods may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless these patent claims expressly provide otherwise by their wording.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (8) comprising a lower seat assembly (12) and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14), wherein the seat backrest assembly (14) is pivotably coupled to the lower seat assembly (12) such that the seat backrest assembly (14) can be moved between an upright and inclined position relative to the lower seat assembly (12), wherein the lower seat assembly (12) comprises the following: a lower seat frame base (18) with a pair of longitudinally extending mounting rails (30), a pair of side frame elements (32) operatively connected to the mounting rails (30), and a transverse cross tube (34) operatively connected to and extending between a front section (36) of the pair of side frame elements (32); and a lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) attached to the lower seat frame base (18), the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) further comprising a one-piece composite pan (44) with a front edge (58), a suspension system (46) attached to and supported by the one-piece composite pan (44), a one-piece composite nose (48) with a rear edge (88) pivotably attached near the front edge (58) of the composite pan (44), and a forward-pointing engagement element (100) pivotably and operatively connected to the transverse cross tube (34). [2] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one-piece composite nose (48) further comprises a lower surface (84) and the forward-pointing engagement element (100) comprises a plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) arranged on the lower surface (84). [3] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) comprises a series of flexible forward-pointing fingers that are uniformly arranged over a transverse width of the lower surface (84) of the one-piece composite nose (48) and depend upon, wherein each of the plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) flexibly engages with the transverse cross tube (34) for the modular attachment of the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) to the lower seat frame base (18). [4] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein a rear section (106) of the one-piece composite nose (48) comprises an integrated modular upholstery suspension attachment engagement element (74) near the rear edge of the one-piece composite nose (48), which is pivotably connected to a front section (68) of the suspension system (46) and thus operatively connected. [5] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the integrated modular upholstery suspension attachment engagement element (74) comprises a pair of forward-facing, integrated molded suspension system hooks (112) extending over an upper surface (82) of the one-piece composite nose (48), and the front section (68) of the suspension system (46) includes a pair of forward-facing buckles (70). [6] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein the pair of forward-extending buckles (70) comprises a bent metal wire (60) having a nominal thickness and the forward-pointing, integrated molded suspension system hooks (112) extending over the upper surface (82) of the one-piece composite nose (48) comprise flexible forward-pointing fingers which flexibly engage with one of the pair of forward-extending buckles (70). [7] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one-piece composite pan (44) has a pair of opposite side edges (90) near the front edge (58) of the one-piece composite pan (44) and the one-piece composite nose (48) has a pair of opposite side edges (90) near the rear edge (88) of the one-piece composite nose (48), wherein the opposite side edges (90) of each of the one-piece composite pan (44) and the one-piece composite nose (48) overlap along each lateral side of the motor vehicle seat assembly (10) and a pivot pin (92) is arranged through each of the overlapping opposite side edges (90) of the one-piece composite pan (44) and the one-piece composite nose (48), whereby the one-piece composite pan (44) is pivotably mounted on the one-piece The compound nose (48) is attached. [8] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein the forward-pointing engagement element (100) comprises a plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) and the front edge (58) of the one-piece composite pan (44) further comprises an inclined bearing surface (116) against which the weight of an occupant in the motor vehicle seat assembly (10) is pressed in a frontal impact event, such that the one-piece composite nose (48) rotates forward and upward about the plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) and the rear edge (88) of the one-piece composite nose (48) rotates upward about the pivot pins (92) to lift the front edge (58) of the one-piece composite pan (44). [9] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) further comprises a trim layer (118), wherein the trim layer (118) has a plurality of fastening devices (122) around a circumference (124) thereof, and the front edge (86) of the one-piece composite nose (48) further comprises integrated molded retaining elements (126) which accommodate a fastening device (122) of the trim layer (118) to fasten the trim layer (118) to the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) to enable modular assembly of the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20). [10] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) further comprises a foam layer (120) arranged over the trim layer (118), wherein the foam layer (120) has a plurality of fastening devices (122) around a circumference (124) thereof and is received in the retaining elements (126) to fasten the foam layer (120) to the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) in order to enable modular assembly of the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20). [11] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle seat assembly (10) further comprises a decorative plastic cover (22) which is attached to the lower seat assembly (12) and around the seat cushion and suspension module (20). [12] Lower seat assembly (12) comprising a lower seat frame base (18) with a transverse cross tube (34) extending between a front section (36) of a pair of side frame elements (32) and a module attached to the lower seat frame base (18), comprising a one-piece composite pan (44) with a front edge (58) and a one-piece composite nose (48) with a rear edge (88) pivotably attached near the front edge (58) of the composite pan (44), and an engagement element (100) pivotably connected to the transverse cross tube (34). [13] Lower seat assembly (12) according to claim 12, wherein the lower seat assembly (12) further comprises a suspension system (46) which is attached to and supported by the one-piece composite pan (44) and has a front section (68) comprising a pair of forward-extending buckles (70), wherein the engagement element (100) comprises a pair of forward-pointing integrated modular suspension system hooks (112) which extends over an upper surface (82) of the one-piece composite nose (48) and engages with one of the forward-extending buckles (70). [14] Lower seat assembly (12) according to claim 13, wherein the pair of forward-extending buckles (70) comprises a bent metal wire (60) having a nominal thickness and the forward-pointing integrated molded suspension system hooks (112) extending over the upper surface (82) of the one-piece composite nose (48) comprise flexible forward-pointing fingers which flexibly engage with one of the forward-extending buckles (70). [15] Lower seat assembly (12) according to claim 12, wherein the one-piece composite nose (48) further comprises a lower surface (84) and the engagement element (100) comprises a plurality of integrated molded modular forward-facing mounting hooks (102) arranged on the lower surface (84), and the plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) comprises a series of flexible forward-facing fingers arranged uniformly over a transverse width of the lower surface (84) of the one-piece composite nose (48) and dependent thereon, wherein each of the integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) flexibly engages with the transverse cross tube (34) for the modular attachment of the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) to the lower seat frame base (18). [16] Lower seat assembly (12) according to claim 15, wherein the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) further comprises a lining layer (118) and a foam layer (120) in a coordinating relationship to each other, wherein the lining layer (118) and the foam layer (120) each have a plurality of fastening devices (122) arranged around a circumference (124) thereof, and the front edge (86) of the composite nose (48) further comprises integrated molded retaining elements (126) which accommodate a fastening device (122) of the lining layer (118) and the foam layer (120) to fasten the lining layer (118) and the foam layer (120) to the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) in order to enable modular assembly of the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20). [17] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) comprising a lower seat assembly (12) and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14), wherein the lower seat assembly (12) comprises the following: a lower seat frame base (18) with a pair of longitudinally extending mounting rails (30), a pair of side frame elements (32) operatively connected to the mounting rails (30), and a transverse cross tube (34) operatively connected to and extending between a front section (36) of the pair of side frame elements (32); and a lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) attached to the lower seat frame base (18), the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) further comprising a one-piece composite pan (44) with a front edge (58), a suspension system (46) attached to and supported by the one-piece composite pan (44), and a one-piece composite nose (48) with a rear edge (88) pivotably mounted near the front edge (58) of the one-piece composite pan (44) via a pair of pivot pins (92) arranged on the outer edges of each of the one-piece composite pan (44) and the one-piece composite nose (48), the one-piece composite nose (48) further comprising a lower surface (84) and a plurality of integrated molded forward-facing modular mounting hooks (102) on the lower surface (84) is arranged, includeswherein each of the plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) pivotably and flexibly engages with the transverse cross tube (34) for the modular attachment of the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) to the lower seat frame base (18), and wherein the front edge (58) of the one-piece composite pan (44) further comprises an inclined bearing surface (116) against which the weight of an occupant of the motor vehicle seat assembly (10) is pressed in a frontal impact event, such that the one-piece composite nose (48) rotates forward and upward about the plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) and the rear edge (88) of the one-piece composite nose (48) rotates upward about the pivot pins (92) to lift the front edge (58) of the one-piece composite pan (44). [18] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 17, wherein the lower seat assembly (12) further comprises a suspension system (46) which is attached to and supported by the one-piece composite pan (44), the suspension system (46) comprising a front section (68) comprising a pair of forward-extending buckles (70), the one-piece composite nose (48) comprising an integrated modular upholstery suspension attachment engagement element (74), and the integrated modular upholstery suspension attachment engagement element (74) comprising a pair of forward-pointing, integrated molded suspension system hooks (112) which extend over an upper surface (82) of the one-piece composite nose (48) and which engages with one of the pair of forward-extending buckles (70). [19] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) comprises a series of flexible forward-pointing fingers arranged over and dependent on a transverse width of the lower surface (84) of the one-piece composite nose (48). [20] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) comprises a series of flexible forward-pointing fingers that are uniformly arranged over a transverse width of the lower surface (84) of the one-piece composite nose (48) and depend upon, wherein each of the integrated molded modular mounting hooks (102) flexibly engages with the transverse cross tube (34) for the modular attachment of the lower seat cushion and suspension module (20) to the lower seat frame base (18).

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