Removable Surface Section Mat for Flexible Cab Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing floor mats in driver's cabs of agricultural vehicles require multiple versions with different fastening dimensions and positions, leading to increased manufacturing costs and difficulty in replacing or repositioning seats due to fixed holes, resulting in inefficient storage and use of multiple mats.

Innovation Solution

A mat with removable surface sections, each surrounded by a material-weakened margin that can be easily broken to expose passages for flexible fastening, allowing for different installation positions and types of functional objects without the need for multiple mats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple floor mats with different fastening hole arrangements are provided for different seat types, then different seat types can be installed, but storage space increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different seat typesVSAvoidnumber of different mat versions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floor mat is segmented into a base mat and multiple removable surface sections. Each surface section covers specific fastening holes, and by removing different combinations of these sections, the same base mat can accommodate different seat types with various fastening hole arrangements, eliminating the need for multiple separate mat versions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The floor mat transitions from a static configuration with fixed holes to a dynamic configuration where surface sections can be selectively removed. This allows the mat to adapt its appearance and functionality based on the specific seat installation requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If holes are pre-drilled in the floor mat for seat fastening, then seat installation is enabled, but the mat cannot be easily reused for different positions or seat types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat installationVSAvoidrepositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

All possible fastening hole positions are pre-drilled into the base mat during manufacturing. However, the surface sections covering these holes remain intact until needed. When installation is required, the appropriate surface sections are removed to expose the pre-prepared holes, enabling both easy installation and future repositioning without additional drilling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a single floor mat design is used for all seat types, then manufacturing is simplified, but proper fastening for different seat dimensions cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemat productionVSAvoidfastening compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base mat is designed as a universal platform with a complete grid of fastening holes that can accommodate various seat types. The removable surface sections act as configurable overlays that can be removed in different patterns to match different seat fastening requirements, allowing one mat design to serve multiple functions

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

Data Source

PatentEP2412572B1Mat for covering a useable surface in the driver's cab of an agricultural vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 CLAAS TRACTOR
  • EP2412572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2412572B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2412572B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A mat (1) for covering a useable surface in the driver's cab of an agricultural vehicle comprises at least one surface section (6, 7) delimited by a material-weakened margin (3), wherein surface section (6, 7) can be removed in order to expose a passage through the mat (1) for fastening a functional object to the useable surface.