Modular Vehicle Seat Backrest for Faster Assembly and Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat backrests lack a modular design that allows for easy assembly and adaptation of functionalities, leading to increased complexity and time in manufacturing and maintenance, particularly when integrating various comfort and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat backrest comprising a backrest armature, a central upholstery module, and two side upholstery modules, each independently fixable to the armature, with features such as elastic means, air pumps, inflatable pouches, loudspeakers, and adjustable foam blocks, enabling quick assembly and adaptation of functionalities while maintaining a consistent configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional integrated backrest design is used, then structural strength is maintained, but assembly time increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into three independent upholstery modules (two side modules and one central module) that can be assembled separately onto the backrest armature. Each module has its own support structure and fixation means, allowing independent assembly and disassembly without affecting the other modules, thereby significantly reducing assembly time and improving productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular upholstery design is implemented, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three upholstery modules are designed with standardized support structures and fixation mechanisms that can accommodate various functional configurations. The same modular framework can be adapted to create different backrest functionalities (e.g., with or without airbags, heating elements, or adjustable features) by simply changing the contents of the modules rather than redesigning the entire structure.
3Ease of repair
If upholstery modules are fixed independently to the armature, then ease of repair improves, but structural stability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Each upholstery module is equipped with its own dedicated fixation means (such as clips, screws, or snap-fit mechanisms) that securely attach it to the backrest armature. This segmentation allows individual modules to be easily removed and replaced for repair or maintenance without disturbing the other modules, while the multiple fixation points ensure each module remains stable during use.
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 and quick assembly of vehicle seat backrests with variable functionalities, simplifies the manufacturing process, and allows for modular replacement of components without disassembling side modules, reducing assembly time and maintaining safety functions.
Implementation Method 1
a fan is fixed to the support, the foam block of the central upholstery module comprising through holes, in fluid communication with the fan
Implementation Method 2
the central upholstery module and/or the side upholstery modules include/s elastic means for limiting deflection of the support of the central upholstery module, relative to the backrest armature
Implementation Method 3
the central upholstery module comprises an air pump and a plurality of inflatable pouches, in fluid communication with the air pump
Data Source
AI summary
A backrest of a vehicle seat comprises a backrest armature, at least one central upholstery module and two side upholstery modules each arranged on a respective side of the central upholstery module. Each of the at least three upholstery modules is fixed to the backrest armature independently of the other two upholstery modules.