Hook and Loop Fastener for Vehicle Seat Foam Components
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching components like fans and heating units to vehicle seat padding foam require destructive separation for maintenance, leading to increased production costs and environmental concerns due to the use of special adhesives.
Innovation Solution
A detachable adhesive fastening system using 'hook and loop' style fasteners, where the component is held by adhesive fastener parts connected to the foam, allowing for easy installation and replacement without special adhesives, and a production process that integrates magnetic insert parts to create receiving spaces in the foam during molding, reducing the need for post-cutting notches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If special plastic adhesives are used to fasten insert parts to foam, then the insert part is securely connected to the foam, but the adhesives are objectionable in processing requiring exhaust systems which increase production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful adhesive substance from the fastening system, replacing it with a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener system that achieves secure connection without requiring toxic adhesives or complex exhaust systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical fastening mechanism (hook-and-loop fastener), eliminating the need for harmful chemicals and associated exhaust systems while maintaining secure connection strength
2Shape
If recesses are cut into the foam part for component installation, then the component fits into the foam, but the foam material is permanently altered making future replacement problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fastening function from the foam structure itself by introducing a separate removable fastener system, allowing the foam to remain intact while still achieving precise component positioning and future replaceability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static, permanent foam recess into a dynamic, reversible fastening system using hook-and-loop fasteners that can be easily attached and detached, enabling component replacement without permanent foam modification
3Ease of operation
If adhesive fastener parts are used to attach components to foam, then the component can be easily installed and removed by hand, but the foam structure must accommodate the fastener integration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the foam structure with the fastening system by integrating adhesive fastener parts directly into the foam during the molding process, creating a unified structure that provides easy hand-installation without requiring separate fastening components or complex assembly procedures
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
Facilitates easy installation and maintenance of components with reduced production costs and environmental impact by eliminating the need for destructive separation and special adhesives, while allowing for space-efficient component placement and retrofitting of existing seats.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic insert parts to which the respective adhesive fastener part adheres
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device secures components, such as fan devices, heating devices and other air-conditioning devices, to padding foams of vehicle seats. A method produces the fixing device. The component has at least one adhesive fastening part (22) which, together with at least one corresponding adhesive fastening part (24) connected to the padding foam (12), forms a releasable adhesive fastening with which the component is held in a fixed manner in contact with the padding foam (12). The adhesive fastening formed then provides a releasable connection between the component and the foam.