Automotive Rear Seat Backrest Frame with Wire Extension

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear seat backrest frames in motor vehicles are not adaptable to different seat row widths, are excessively heavy, and suffer significant deformation during luggage impacts, posing safety concerns for rear row occupants.

Innovation Solution

A rear seat back frame design featuring a main support element with a welded, bent steel wire extension that forms an M-shape, providing adaptability to varying seat widths and enhanced resistance to luggage impacts, while using a lightweight steel wire structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional rigid tubular frames with steel wire networks are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidframe weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into modular components: a universal main support element and adjustable extension elements. This segmentation allows the frame to be customized for different vehicle configurations without requiring complete frame replacements, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame incorporates adjustable extension elements that can be positioned or removed based on specific vehicle requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the frame to optimize its weight-strength ratio for different applications, using material only where structurally necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If frames are customized for specific vehicle widths, then structural performance is optimized, but adaptability to different vehicles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural performanceVSAvoidvehicle compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The main support element is designed as a universal component that can be used across multiple vehicle types and configurations. Extension elements are added or adjusted to accommodate different rear seat row widths, allowing a single base design to serve multiple functions and vehicle models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By separating the frame into a universal main support element and configurable extension elements, the design achieves both structural optimization for specific applications and broad adaptability across different vehicle platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If solid metal sheets and sections are used for reinforcements, then resistance to luggage impact is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidreinforcement weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame combines tubular metal structures with steel wire networks in a composite construction. This composite approach provides high impact resistance through the synergistic effect of the tubular frame (providing overall structure) and steel wire network (providing localized reinforcement), while using material more efficiently than solid metal sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular frame elements use curved and optimized cross-sectional geometries that provide high strength-to-weight ratios, distributing impact forces more effectively than flat metal sheets while using less material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 design allows for weight reduction and improved safety by adapting to different seat row widths and resisting luggage impact forces, addressing the limitations of traditional frames in terms of adaptability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the bent steel wire comprises six curved bends forming substantially an M in rotation of 90°C and whose central part is flat and in contact support on the element of main support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the two fixing points of the bent steel wire are made by welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2726325B1Rear seat backrest frame of an automotive vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2726325B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates mainly to a framework for the backrests of seats in the back row of a motor vehicle, which is essentially characterized in that it comprises at least one main support element (2) forming the framework of a side seat backrest, and an extension support element (3) secured to the main support element (2) and made using a wire-like support (20) forming the framework of the backrest of the middle seat. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with at least one such framework.