Flex Shield for Automotive Seat Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive seat assemblies with riser assemblies expose the sides of the seat, creating an unfinished appearance and potentially subjecting the components to debris and obstructions when in various positions.
Innovation Solution
A flexible planar flex shield with elastic straps and pre-formed fold lines is coupled to the seat assembly, maintaining tension and consistently folding to cover the sides of the seat assembly while moving between positions, ensuring a finished appearance and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a rigid shield is used to cover the sides of the seat assembly, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the shield cannot move with the seat assembly between various positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible shield made of pliable material that can conform to and move with the seat assembly as it transitions between different positions. This flexible material maintains the aesthetic appearance while adapting to the changing geometry of the seat assembly, resolving the contradiction between rigid appearance and movable adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shield is made flexible to move with the seat assembly, then the adaptability is improved, but the shield may lose structural integrity and appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to move and deform elastically with the seat assembly while maintaining its functional integrity. The flexible material is selected to provide appropriate stiffness and recovery properties, enabling the shield to adapt to position changes without permanent deformation or loss of appearance.
3Shape
If the shield covers the sides of the seat assembly, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the shield may be subjected to debris and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible shield material can conform to the contours of the seat assembly and riser assembly, creating a continuous covering that protects exposed surfaces from debris and obstructions while maintaining aesthetic appearance. The flexibility allows the shield to adapt to the three-dimensional geometry without creating gaps or weak points where debris could penetrate.
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 flex shield maintains the integrity and appearance of the seat assembly by consistently covering the sides during movement, preventing debris exposure and enhancing the aesthetic and functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of elastic straps are fixedly secured to the body portion and adapted to be coupled to the seat assembly for maintaining tension on the flexible body portion
Data Source
AI summary
A flex shield operatively coupled to a seat assembly of an automotive vehicle for concealing a portion of the seat assembly. The flex shield comprising a flexible planar body portion extending laterally between a front edge and a rear edge and vertically between an upper edge and a lower edge. A plurality of elastic straps are fixedly secured to the body portion and adapted to be coupled to the seat assembly for maintaining tension on the flexible body portion. A plurality of pre-formed fold lines are formed in the body portion and extend between at least one of the front edge and rear edge for consistently controlling folding motion of the body portion between an unfolded position defining a generally planar body portion and a folded position wherein the body portion is collapsed along the fold lines.