Flexible Bracket Upholstery Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional upholstery mounting systems for vehicles are inefficient in installation and secure attachment, often requiring tight tolerances and a high part count, which can complicate the process and lead to suboptimal fit and feel of the upholstery.
Innovation Solution
A flexible upholstery mounting system featuring a bracket with a U-shaped cross-section and a boss that flexes to attach and detach from the bracket, allowing for secure and easy installation with loose manufacturing tolerances, and a resilient design that pulls the upholstery tight for a better fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional upholstery mounting systems are used, then the upholstery can be attached to the vehicle frame, but the installation process is inefficient and requires tight manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with flexible material and geometry that allows it to change its physical state from a compressed insertion state to a relaxed attached state. This parameter change enables the bracket to accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure attachment, eliminating the need for tight tolerances in conventional rigid mounting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection. The bracket can elastically deform during installation to accommodate misaligned holes or varying frame positions, then maintains a stable attached state. This dynamic behavior allows installation with loose tolerances while ensuring reliable upholstery attachment
2Reliability
If conventional mounting systems are used, then the upholstery can be secured, but the part count is high and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated bracket component. The bracket simultaneously provides structural support, alignment features, attachment security, and flexibility. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate alignment pins, multiple fasteners, and adjustment mechanisms found in conventional multi-part mounting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bracket is designed as a universal mounting component that can accommodate various upholstery types and frame configurations. Its elastic properties and geometric design allow it to function as both a structural support element and a tolerant attachment mechanism, replacing multiple specialized parts with a single multi-functional component
3Ease of operation
If the bracket is made flexible to accommodate loose tolerances, then installation becomes easier, but the bracket must withstand attachment forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket exploits dynamic elastic deformation to resolve the contradiction between flexibility and strength. During installation, the bracket flexes to accommodate loose tolerances and enable easy insertion. Once attached, the elastic recovery force maintains secure attachment while the distributed stress geometry ensures the bracket can withstand upholstery loads without permanent deformation
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 facilitates secure and efficient attachment of upholstery to vehicle frames with fewer parts, accommodating loose tolerances and providing a snug, aesthetically pleasing fit while being easy to install and reconfigure.
Implementation Method 1
The boss is configured to flex the bracket between the first position and the second position as the boss moves from the detached position to the attached position
Implementation Method 2
a resilient design that pulls the upholstery tight for a better fit
Data Source
AI summary
An upholstery mounting system includes a support structure and a covering member. The system also includes a bracket that is fixed to the support structure. The bracket is flexible to move between a first position and a second position relative to the support structure. Also, the upholstery mounting system includes a boss that is fixed to the covering member. The boss, in a detached position is outside an opening of the bracket. The boss, in an attached position, is received in the opening and is removably attached to the bracket to attach the covering member to the support structure with the covering member extending over and covering at least part of the support structure. The boss is configured to flex the bracket between the first position and the second position as the boss moves from the detached position to the attached position.