Vehicle Backrest C-Profile Mounting for Slim Hidden Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus backrests are bulky and aesthetically unappealing due to visible and space-consuming fastening mechanisms, which limits interior space and passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
A backrest design featuring a profiled metal element with a 'C'-shaped cross section, coupled with a deformable support element, where the fastening is concealed within the 'C'-shaped structure, allowing for a reduced thickness of less than 50 mm and improved aesthetic appearance by hiding the fastening mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded fastening elements are used to attach the backrest, then the backrest can be securely fastened to the vehicle structure, but the fastening becomes visible and consumes significant space, resulting in a thickness of at least 100 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded fastening elements are nested within the C-shaped profile structure itself. The profiled element's C-shape encloses the fastening mechanism, allowing the threads to be received and concealed within the profiled element's own structure rather than requiring external mounting brackets or visible hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped profiled element acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the support element and the vehicle wall. It provides both the mounting function (through its C-shape that receives threaded fasteners) and the aesthetic function (by concealing the fasteners within its profile), eliminating the need for separate visible fastening components.
2Strength
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used, then the backrest can be securely attached, but the visible fastening elements deteriorate the aesthetic appearance of the backrest
Solution Approach 1:
The aesthetic defect (visible fastening elements) is extracted and eliminated by integrating the fastening function into the profiled element's own structure. The C-shaped profile contains the threaded fasteners within its geometry, removing the need for separate external fastening components that would compromise aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support function and the aesthetic covering function are merged into a single integrated component - the C-shaped profiled element. This single element both provides the mechanical attachment (through its C-shape receiving threads) and provides the aesthetic finish (by concealing all fastening elements within its profile).
3Strength
If thick backrest structures are used to accommodate fastening mechanisms, then secure attachment is achieved, but the available interior space in the vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is nested within the C-shaped profile structure, eliminating the need for external mounting brackets or thick spacing components. The threaded fasteners are received and concealed within the profiled element's own geometry, minimizing the overall thickness and maximizing interior space.
Data Source
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AI summary
Backrest (10) for a vehicle (1) for the public transport of passengers, comprising a fastening element (11) configured to be fixed directly to a wall (2) of the vehicle (1) and a support element (12) supported by the fastening element (11), said backrest (10) being provided with at least a terminal element (28) or a joining element (25) to allow the connection of the fastening element to a column of the vehicle or between two different fastening elements.