Magnetic Gap Cover Assembly for Vehicle Rear Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gap cover assemblies in vehicles fail to maintain a secure connection between the rear seat and the package tray during reclining, leading to gaps that are difficult to access when objects fall in, and expose rails or affect the vehicle's appearance when slidably connected.
Innovation Solution
A gap cover assembly using magnetic connection parts, where a first magnetic connection part on the gap cover and a second magnetic connection part on the seatback maintain a detachable and secure connection, allowing the gap cover to move with the seatback while reclining and easily separate for object retrieval, with optional features like guide brackets and springs for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover plate is fixed to the rear side of the rear seat, then the connection is secure, but the cover plate becomes inclined when the rear seat reclines, creating a gap between the cover plate and the package tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a magnetic connection mechanism that allows the gap cover to dynamically adjust its position relative to the seatback during reclining. The magnetic connection part on the gap cover interacts with the magnetic connection part on the seatback, enabling the cover to maintain proper alignment and shape while the seat reclines, eliminating the inclination problem of fixed connections.
2Shape
If the cover plate is slidably connected to the rear side of the rear seat, then the cover plate can move with the seat reclining, but rails or connecting parts are exposed during movement, affecting the appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sliding connection system with a magnetic connection system. The magnetic connection parts (one on the gap cover, one on the seatback) provide the necessary connection and movement capability without requiring exposed rails or mechanical connecting parts, thus maintaining a clean appearance while enabling smooth movement during reclining.
3Reliability
If the cover plate is fixed to the rear seat, then the connection is stable, but objects falling into the gap are difficult to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection mechanism enables dynamic separation of the gap cover from the seatback. When an object falls into the gap, the user can easily pull the gap cover away from the seatback by overcoming the magnetic attraction, access the gap to retrieve the object, and then reattach the cover. This provides both stable connection during normal use and easy separation when needed.
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 magnetic connection ensures the gap cover remains attached to the seatback during reclining, allowing easy retrieval of fallen objects and maintaining a clean, integrated appearance by concealing the gap and allowing for smooth movement.
Implementation Method 1
The first end of the gap cover is adjacent to the seatback of the rear seat and the gap cover is connected with the seatback via a magnetic field between the first and second magnetic connection parts
Implementation Method 2
the first magnetic connection part is a permanent magnet connected to the first end of the gap cover, and the second magnetic connection part is made from ferromagnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
A gap cover assembly in a vehicle comprises a gap cover, a first magnetic connection part disposed on a first end of the gap cover and a second magnetic connection part disposed on a seatback of a rear seat of the vehicle. The first end of the gap cover is adjacent to the seatback of the rear seat and the gap cover is connected with the seatback via a magnetic field between the first and second magnetic connection parts and is moveable relative to a front end of the package tray.