Modular Seat Squab Cushion for Replaceable Lateral Bolsters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs require disassembly of the entire seat structure for maintenance, particularly when replacing worn-out lateral bolsters, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular squab cushion system with a mechanical interface system allowing independent disassembly and replacement of lateral bolsters without disturbing the central padding and trim covering, which remain attached to the main base, enabling quick mounting and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire seat structure is disassembled for maintenance of lateral bolsters, then complete access to all components is achieved, but maintenance time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cushion is divided into independent modular components: a central portion and two lateral bolsters. Each lateral bolster can be removed independently from the main base through dedicated mechanical interfaces, allowing maintenance of worn lateral segments without disassembling the entire seat structure or affecting the central padding and trim covering.
2Strength
If the lateral bolster is made as a single integrated piece with the main base, then structural strength is improved, but replacement of worn lateral segments requires complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral bolster is segmented from the main base while maintaining strong mechanical connections through coupling parts and locking mechanisms. This allows the lateral bolster to function as a separate replaceable module that can be removed and replaced without compromising the structural integrity of the main base or requiring complete disassembly of the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral bolster is designed to nest onto the main base through mechanical interfaces where coupling parts on the lateral bolster engage with corresponding locking parts on the main base. This nested configuration provides structural strength while enabling easy removal and replacement of the lateral segment independently.
3Loss of time
If the lateral bolster is made modular and independently replaceable, then maintenance time is reduced, but the mechanical interface system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface is segmented into distinct functional elements: coupling parts on the lateral bolster and corresponding locking parts on the main base. This segmentation allows for standardized, pre-engineered connection mechanisms that simplify assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the complexity of the overall system despite the modular design.
4Productivity
If the central padding and trim covering remain attached to the main base during lateral bolster replacement, then assembly efficiency is improved, but the mechanical interface must support differential movement
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cushion system is segmented into independently removable lateral bolsters and a permanent central portion. The mechanical interface is specifically designed to accommodate this segmentation, with coupling and locking mechanisms that enable lateral bolster removal while the central padding and trim covering remain securely attached to the main base, allowing efficient maintenance without complete disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a modular squab cushion, configured to be attached to a squab structure having a squab structure, the squab structure being configured to removably attach the modular squab cushion, the modular squab cushion comprises, in the assembled state: a main (or central) base having a lower surface configured to be attached to the squab structure, a central padding resting on an upper surface of the main base and forming a central portion, a central trim covering that covers the central padding, at least one modular lateral bolster removably attached to the main base.