Headrest Cover Fastening Profile for Multi-Part Seam Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing profiles for fastening covers on vehicle seat headrests are unsuitable for multi-part covers of complex shape, particularly in terms of appearance and installation, especially for stiff covers like leather, due to their design and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A profile with a recess for receiving a connecting region of a multi-part cover, featuring a rotationally fixed first section for precise alignment in a channel, a thin-walled second section for easy sewing, and a third section with a recess for deflecting the cover, manufactured from foamed plastic like polypropylene to prevent damage during sewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional profile design is used for fastening covers, then the installation is simple, but the appearance is unsatisfactory and it is unsuitable for multi-part covers of complex shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for multi-part coversVSAvoidprofile structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile is divided into multiple functional sections: a first section for latching into the channel, a second thin-walled section for sewing to the cover, and a third section with a recess for receiving the connecting region of cover segments. This segmentation allows the profile to adapt to multi-part covers while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the profile have different wall thicknesses and geometries optimized for their specific functions. The second section is made thin-walled to facilitate easy sewing to the cover, while the first and third sections have greater structural integrity for latching and receiving the seam. This local differentiation enables the profile to handle complex multi-part covers without requiring overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a thick-walled profile is used for structural integrity, then the profile is strong, but it is difficult to sew to the cover

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile structural strengthVSAvoidsewing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The profile features varying wall thicknesses along its length. The second section is specifically designed with thin walls to facilitate easy sewing to the cover, while the first section (for latching) and third section (for receiving the seam) maintain greater thickness for structural strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and sewability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If a simple profile design is used, then the manufacturing is easy, but it cannot provide precise alignment in the channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidprofile design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first section of the profile has an asymmetric cross-section that complements the shape of the channel, with flattened sides that engage with corresponding surfaces in the channel. This asymmetric design provides precise alignment and prevents rotation of the profile within the channel, achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid profile is used for stability, then the profile maintains its shape, but it may damage stiff covers like leather during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile shape stabilityVSAvoidcover damage during sewing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The profile is manufactured from foamed plastic material, which provides a balance between structural stability and flexibility. The foam structure allows the profile to maintain its overall shape and dimensional stability while having sufficient give to prevent damage to stiff covers like leather during the sewing installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 profile ensures precise alignment and easy sewing of complex-shaped covers without damaging the material, maintaining an attractive appearance by avoiding outward beads and ripples, and is suitable for stiff covers like leather.

Implementation Method 1

owing to its elastic properties, does not tend to break when the cover is sewn on

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic properties: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8672404B2Profile for fastening a cover on a vehicular seat headrest

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 ADIENT US LLC

AI summary

A profile (9) which can be connected to a cover (4) serves to fasten the cover (4) on a supporting body (2). According to the invention, it is provided that the profile has a recess (17) for receiving a connecting region, in particular a seam (6), of cover segments (5.1, 5.2) of an at least two-piece cover.