Adaptive Tensile Surface for Vehicle Seat Trim
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat trims, especially those with bolsters, experience fatigue due to heavy use, leading to wear and limited elasticity, particularly in leather materials, making maintenance and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive tensile control system with motorized retractors and spools that adjust the tension of the seat covering in response to changes in the seat's surface geometry, using electric motors and sensors to wind or unwind the covering based on tension changes, ensuring a seamless and comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the seat covering is made of leather or other materials with limited elasticity, then the material durability is improved, but the material cannot accommodate changes in seat geometry, leading to trim fatigue and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the seat covering tension adjustable through motorized retractors. The covering transitions from a static, fixed-tension state to a dynamic state where tension can be adjusted in real-time based on seat geometry changes, occupant weight, and bolster inflation, thereby preventing trim fatigue while maintaining material durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the tension parameter of the seat covering through motorized adjustment mechanisms. The system changes the physical state of the covering by adjusting its tension level, allowing the same material to adapt to different seat geometries and occupancy conditions without compromising its inherent strength and durability
2Strength
If the seat is divided into sections with separate stitching or quilting, then the material strain is reduced, but the seam areas become prone to wear and the appearance degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stitching and quilting elements from the seat covering design, replacing them with a seamless or minimally-seamed covering. By removing the vulnerable seam areas that are prone to wear, the system eliminates the reliability issue while maintaining proper strain distribution through the continuous covering material and adjustable tension system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by using a uniform, continuous covering material across the seat surface without interrupted seams or quilting patterns. This homogeneous structure eliminates weak points at seam intersections while the motorized tensioning system ensures uniform stress distribution across the entire covering
3Ease of manufacture
If a seamless covering is used over the seat, then the appearance is improved and maintenance is easier, but the covering becomes prone to stretching and sagging between bolsters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through motorized retractors with sensors that continuously monitor covering tension and adjust it automatically. This closed-loop system detects when the covering begins to sag or stretch and responds by adjusting the tension, maintaining the seamless appearance while preventing shape degradation over time
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system maintains the appearance and comfort of the seat by adjusting the covering tension dynamically, preventing material strain and improving ease of maintenance by accommodating changes in seat geometry, such as inflation of bolsters or occupant weight.
Implementation Method 1
a motorized retractor coupled to the covering, the motorized retractor including one or more electric motors operable to: release the covering in response to a first control signal, and retract the covering in response to a second control signal
Implementation Method 2
a spool sensor configured to: detect a change in spool tension; and transmit a control signal to the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive tensile control system includes a covering couple to a motorized retractor operable to release and retract the covering in response to control signals. An adaptive seat suspension includes a flexible suspension mat coupled to a motorized retractor operable to release and retract the flexible suspension mat in response to control signals. A method includes adapting the size of a support in a seat and adapting a covering overlying the support. A device includes an inflatable bolster within a seat having a covering. An apparatus includes a seat back and a seat that includes foam having a variable surface and a seamless covering.