Modular Seat Back Coupling for Cross-Vehicle Seat Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular seat back assemblies require separate manufacturing for different vehicle models and styles, leading to inefficiencies in production and compatibility issues with varying wheel well configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat back assembly design featuring interchangeable seat backs with adjustable coupling bases, allowing the same assembly to fit different seating arrangements and wheel well configurations, utilizing a coupling member that can be mounted to various base configurations to accommodate different vehicle structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate seat backs are manufactured for each split seat arrangement, then the seating arrangement can be precisely tailored to different vehicle models and styles, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single modular seat back assembly that can serve multiple functions across different vehicle configurations. The seat back assembly includes standardized coupling members and coupling bases that enable the same assembly to be used in various split seat arrangements (50/50, 40/60, 40/20/40) and bench seat arrangements, eliminating the need to manufacture separate handed seat backs for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seat back assembly into modular components that can be independently configured. The coupling member can be selectively coupled to different coupling bases on adjacent seat backs, allowing the assembly to be segmented and reconfigured for different vehicle models and styles without requiring complete redesign of each seat back.
2Adaptability or versatility
If handed seat backs are manufactured for different split seat arrangements, then each configuration can be optimized for its specific position, but the quantity of different parts that must be manufactured increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate left and right handed seat backs by designing a universal seat back assembly with standardized coupling interfaces. The coupling member and coupling bases are designed to work the same way regardless of position, allowing a single part design to replace multiple handed variants while maintaining configuration optimization through proper installation orientation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seat backs are designed to accommodate wheel well features, then the seating assembly can be integrated with vehicle interior structures, but the design must be customized for each vehicle model and style
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the wheel well accommodation features into modular elements that can be selectively included or excluded based on the vehicle configuration. The coupling member and coupling bases can be designed with or without wheel well cutouts, allowing the same basic assembly design to be adapted to vehicles with or without wheel wells by simply selecting the appropriate variant of the modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular seat back assembly includes first and second seat backs adjacent each other. The seat backs are selectively positionable relative to each other in a first and a second seating arrangement. A coupling member extends from the first seat back to the second seat back and is mounted to the first and second seat backs. The first and second seat backs each present one of a first pair of coupling bases and one of a second pair of coupling bases. The first pair is configured such that the coupling member is mountable to both of the first pair in the first seating arrangement. The second pair is configured such that the coupling member is mountable to both of the second pair in the second seating arrangement. The configuration of the first and second pair of coupling bases enables interchangeability of the seat backs in a cross-vehicle direction.