Modular Rear Seat Frame With Snap-Fit Joints for Vehicle Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat frames are limited by welded steel designs, which restrict flexibility and customization, leading to a lack of adaptability across different vehicle types and sizes, and do not allow for easy integration of additional features.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat frame design utilizing snap-fit engagement of horizontal, vertical, and corner members, combined with a low-pressure compression molded back panel and customizable subassemblies, enabling interchangeable components and easy integration of features like cushion inserts and climate control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded steel design is used for seat frames, then structural strength is ensured, but flexibility and customization are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frame is divided into multiple modular components including side rails, cross members, and seat pan sections that can be independently configured. Each module maintains structural integrity while allowing different combinations to create customized seating solutions for various vehicle applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular seat frame components are designed with standardized interfaces and attachment mechanisms that enable the same basic modules to serve multiple functions across different vehicle types and seating configurations, achieving both strength and adaptability.
2Reliability
If welded steel design is used for seat frames, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability across different vehicle types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frame is divided into multiple modular components including side rails, cross members, and seat pan sections that can be independently configured. Each module maintains structural integrity while allowing different combinations to create customized seating solutions for various vehicle applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with adjustable parameters such as length, width, and attachment point positions that can be modified to match different vehicle floor plans and seating requirements while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional seat frame design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but integration of additional features is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frame is divided into multiple modular components including side rails, cross members, and seat pan sections that can be independently configured. Each module maintains structural integrity while allowing different combinations to create customized seating solutions for various vehicle applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Additional features such as heating elements, cooling channels, or electronic controls are pre-integrated into specific modular components during their individual manufacturing processes, allowing these features to be easily combined in different configurations without complicating the overall assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a plurality of horizontal members, a plurality of vertical members, and a plurality of corner members, which define a seat frame. The plurality of corner members are configured to snap-fit into the plurality of horizontal and vertical members. A seatback is disposed behind the seat frame. A low-pressure compression mold is disposed over the seat frame and defines at least one open section. A subassembly is disposed over the compression mold, defining a center seat and including at least one cushion attachment support disposed adjacent to the at least one open section. A seat cushion insert is operably coupled to the at least one cushion attachment support and is disposed over the at least one open section and defining a side seat.