Pivotable Vehicle Covering Device for Gap-Free Seat Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle covering devices face challenges in dynamically adapting to changing seat arrangements, leading to gaps between the covering device and the seat backrest, which affect their acoustically dampening and insulating functions, and can result in jamming or unsightly gaps.

Innovation Solution

A covering device with two articulated molded storage parts, where the second molded storage part is inclined due to a restoring device with a wedge-shaped sliding surface and a spring element, allowing it to pivot and align optimally with the seat backrest, ensuring a gap-free coverage and easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the covering device is designed to be stationary relative to the vehicle, then the structure is simple and stable, but gaps form when the seat arrangement is displaced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to seat position changesVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front molded storage part is made dynamically adjustable through a pivotable connection with the rear molded storage part. This allows the front part to rotate and change its position dynamically, enabling the covering device to adapt to different seat arrangements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the front molded storage part is coupled to the seat arrangement, then gap-free coverage is achieved, but handling and adjustment of the seat becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGap-free coverageVSAvoidSeat handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the covering device and the seat arrangement is extracted or separated. Instead of directly coupling the front molded storage part to the seat, it is connected to the rear molded storage part, which remains stationary relative to the vehicle. This allows the seat to be handled independently without being constrained by the covering device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the spring element is fixed at both ends to the molded storage parts, then the restoring force is stable, but the articulation area lacks sufficient adjustment range

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRestoring force stabilityVSAvoidArticulation adjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A guiding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the spring element and the molded storage parts. This guiding element allows the spring element to maintain its fixed connections while enabling relative movement and adjustment in the articulation area, thus providing both stable restoring force and sufficient adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution ensures a gap-free coverage, enhances acoustic insulation, and simplifies handling by eliminating the need for coupling with the seat arrangement, while maintaining dynamic adjustment to seat changes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one restoring device which spans the articulation area comprising the pivot axis and has an elastic spring element, which is attached to the first and the second molded storage part and which, in the installation position of first and second molded storage part in the motor vehicle when a pivoting force exerted by the rear seat backrest allows the second molded storage part to be pivoted out of its basic position against the restoring force exerted by the elastic spring element into a folded position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic spring element: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the emanating from the spring element biased restoring force when the pivoting force exerted by the rear seat backrest decreases or ceases, moves the second molded storage part back into its basic position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3144185B1Covering device for arrangement in a motor vehicle and method for the production thereof
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 JOHANN BORGERS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3144185B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3144185B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3144185B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cover device (1) comprising a first storage form (5) which can be arranged in a motor vehicle and is located at the rear in its installation position in the motor vehicle, and a second storage form (6) which is pivotably connected to the first storage form (5) in a pivoting area (31) about a pivot axis (Y) and which, in its installation position in the motor vehicle, faces an upper area of ​​a rear seat backrest (2).Furthermore, the cover device (1) has at least one return device extending over the pivot area (31) encompassing the pivot axis (Y) and comprising an elastic spring element, which is attached to the first and second storage molded part (5, 6) and which, in the installation position of the first and second storage molded part (5, 6) in the motor vehicle, enables the second storage molded part (6) to pivot from its basic position (A) against the return force exerted by the elastic spring element (12) into a folding position when a pivoting force exerted by the rear seat backrest (2) acts on the second storage molded part (6).