One-Piece Seat Back Panel With Tool-Free Interior Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced seating systems in vehicles require multiple panels for access to internal mechanisms, leading to complex manufacturing, increased seams, and the need for multiple fasteners, which complicates maintenance and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece seat back panel with integrated attachment mechanisms that attach to a seat frame without fastener openings, allowing tool-free removal and providing a seamless aesthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple panels are used to cover the seat back, then access to internal systems is improved, but manufacturing complexity and number of seams increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back cover is divided into multiple sections or zones within a single continuous panel, allowing access to different internal systems through strategically placed openings or access points in the panel design, rather than using multiple separate panels
Solution Approach 2:
The functional requirement for multiple panels is extracted and consolidated into a single panel design that incorporates all necessary access points and features, eliminating the need for separate panels while maintaining access functionality
2Ease of operation
If multiple panels are used to cover the seat back, then access to internal systems is improved, but number of seams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel incorporates strategically placed access points with minimal seam visibility, using subtle design features to conceal necessary seams while maintaining a predominantly seamless appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The panel design applies different surface qualities or treatments to specific local areas where access points are needed, allowing functional openings while maintaining seamless appearance in the majority of the panel surface
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to attach panels, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated attachment mechanism that secures the panel to the seat frame structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate fasteners while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed as a universal system that performs multiple functions: securing the panel, providing access points, and accommodating internal systems, thereby reducing the overall number of components needed
4Strength
If fasteners extend through seat panels, then attachment strength is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are extracted from the visible exterior surface and repositioned to the interior or hidden portions of the panel structure, allowing strong attachment while maintaining a seamless aesthetic appearance from the outside
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary structure or cover element is introduced that conceals the fasteners from view while maintaining their attachment function, acting as a mediator between the structural requirement for visible fasteners and the aesthetic requirement for a seamless appearance
Data Source
AI summary
A seat system with a seat back element including a vertical support disposed in a seat back interior region, and one or more first connector portions attached to the vertical support and aligned in a first direction, and a seat back panel having one or more second connector portions attached to an interior surface and configured to connect to the one or more first connector portions. The seat back panel has a first sidewall disposed at a first side and further has a second sidewall disposed on at a second side opposite the first side. The seat back panel has an upper wall portion forming a contiguous first surface with the first sidewall and second sidewall. The second connector portions connect to the first connector portions and attach the seat back panel to the seat back element.