Modular Vehicle Seat Backrest for Adjustable Shape and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat backrests have limited design variability due to their mechanical structure, which conflicts with the diverse designs desired by users, necessitating costly re-design and re-manufacturing, and requiring time-consuming proof and testing to meet regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A modular backrest system comprising interlinked modules that can be moved relative to each other around an axis, allowing for customizable shaping and adaptation to individual users, with the ability to block movability for enhanced stability during critical phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stable mechanical structure is used in vehicle seat backrests to meet accident requirements, then safety and reliability are improved, but design variability and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple modular elements that can be independently designed and combined. Each module maintains structural integrity for safety while allowing diverse configurations through different module combinations, resolving the contradiction between standardized safety structures and design variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest incorporates movable elements and adjustable components that can change position or configuration. This dynamic capability allows the same mechanical structure to provide both accident protection in fixed positions and design variability through adjustable settings, meeting both safety and adaptability requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If design variability is increased to meet user preferences, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the backrest into standardized modules, the invention enables design variability through different module combinations rather than creating entirely different structures for each design variant. This modular approach maintains manufacturing efficiency while achieving diverse designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular elements are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized components that can be used across multiple design variants. This universality allows the same manufacturing processes and tooling to produce different backrest designs, reducing manufacturing complexity despite increased design variability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If design modifications are made to achieve diverse backrest variants, then adaptability is improved, but time and resources for re-design and testing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture allows design changes to be confined to individual modules rather than requiring complete re-design of the entire backrest structure. This segmentation enables faster iteration and reduces the time needed for design modifications while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention establishes standardized module designs and connection interfaces in advance, creating a platform that can accommodate various design variants without requiring new approval processes for each modification. This preliminary standardization reduces the time and resources needed for subsequent design changes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a backrest for a vehicle seat, wherein the backrest includes a plurality of backrest modules. The backrest modules comprise a central portion, and at least one backrest module is mechanically linked to one or two further backrest modules of similar type at the central portion.