Hexagonal Stabilizing Framework for Vehicle Seat Cushion Support Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cushion support plates for motor vehicle seat depth adjusters are complex to produce, prone to material fatigue due to high operational forces, and difficult to handle, leading to a short service life.

Innovation Solution

A cushion support plate with a stabilizing framework of hexagons or partial hexagons for weight savings and strength, featuring offset hooking arms with an S-shape design and open structure for easy operation, allowing the operating handle to be accessed externally without reaching under the seat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hooking arms are used for seat depth adjustment, then the operating handle can be connected to the cushion support plate, but the structure creates large forces that lead to rapid material fatigue and reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidoperational forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The hooking arm is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the force to be distributed across multiple joints rather than concentrated in a single structure, reducing material fatigue and extending service life while maintaining the necessary mechanical advantage for operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If complex hooking arm structures are used to accommodate operating handles, then the handle can be operated in a partially pivoting manner, but the production becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle operationVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The operating handle is integrated directly with the hooking arm structure, combining two separate components into one. The handle forms part of the hooking arm assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms and simplifying production while maintaining full operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hooking arm structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection point for the operating handle, acts as a structural support element, and enables the pivoting motion necessary for adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the operating handle is positioned under the seat, then it can be connected to the cushion support plate, but handling becomes difficult as users must reach under the vehicle interior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle accessibilityVSAvoidhandle position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The operating handle is repositioned from a vertical orientation under the seat to a horizontal orientation on the side of the cushion support plate. This dimensional change moves the handle into a more accessible location that users can reach without bending under the vehicle interior, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3162624B1Cushion support plate for a motor vehicle seat depth adjuster
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 KOKINETICS GMBH
  • EP3162624B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

Upholstery support plate (P) for a motor vehicle seat depth adjuster with an upholstery plate (1), wherein the upholstery plate (1) has a first surface (2) for receiving a seat cushion and a second surface (3) with functional elements, and the second surface (3) is located opposite the first surface (2) of the upholstery plate, wherein a first end line (4) facing a vehicle backrest is essentially straight and a second end line (5) facing away from the vehicle backrest is curved, and the first end line (4) and the second end line (5) are connected to each other by two webs (6, 7), wherein the upholstery plate (1) has a stabilizing frame (8) essentially consisting of hexagons (9) or partial hexagons (10), wherein two hook arms (11, 12) project substantially at right angles from the second surface (2), wherein the two hook arms (11, 12) consist of a first section (13) and a second section (14),wherein the first section (13) is connected at one end to the second surface (2) and at the other end forms the second section (14), wherein the second section (14) of the hook arms (11, 12) each have a receptacle (16) for pins of an actuating handle, wherein the second section (14) is arranged parallel to the first section (13) and offset, wherein an offset piece (15) is provided between the first section (13) and the second section (14).