Retractable Seat Cover Mounting for Contour Seat Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing and removing seat covers, especially on contour or bucket seats in cars and movie theaters, is challenging due to the need for physical force and dexterity, and is impractical in constrained spaces, with issues related to storage and fitting.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a seat cover with a mounting element and a retraction system that allows the seat cover to be securely attached to the seat, featuring a spring-loaded shaft and clutch system for easy installation and removal, and a housing for storing the cover when not in use, utilizing thermoplastics like Delrin acetal for high-load mechanical operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a seat cover is designed to fit snugly over contour seats, then the appearance and comfort are improved, but the installation requires significant physical force and dexterity making it impractical in constrained spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cover is divided into multiple sections (bottom section covering the sitting portion, upper section covering the back supporting portion, and top section for the headrest) that can be independently manipulated and installed. The mounting element separates these sections and enables staged installation, reducing the physical force needed compared to installing a single-piece cover over the entire seat at once.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting element acts as an intermediary device between the installer and the seat cover. This mounting element can be inserted between the sitting portion and back supporting portion of the seat, providing mechanical advantage and leverage to pull the snug-fitting cover over the contours without requiring excessive hand strength or dexterity in constrained spaces.
2Strength
If a seat cover is made from durable materials with complex construction, then the protection and appearance are improved, but the storage and handling become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cover system transitions from a static, permanently installed state to a dynamic, removable state. The mounting element incorporates a releasing mechanism that allows the cover to be easily detached and stored when not in use, while maintaining durable construction materials throughout. This dynamic capability enables the durable cover to be stored in a folded state within the housing when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat cover can be stored within a housing structure when not in use. The housing contains the seat cover in a compact, nested configuration, solving the storage problem for durable, multi-section covers that would otherwise be difficult to store due to their size and complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If a seat cover is designed to be fully installed in constrained areas, then the coverage is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cover is segmented into multiple sections (bottom section, upper section, top section) that can be installed sequentially rather than all at once. This segmentation allows installers to work with smaller, more manageable portions in constrained spaces, reducing the overall installation time while still achieving full coverage of the seat including the sitting portion, back supporting portion, and headrest.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting element is pre-positioned between the sitting portion and back supporting portion of the seat before the cover sections are attached. This preliminary action establishes the correct positioning and tension distribution in advance, making the subsequent attachment of cover sections faster and easier, thereby reducing total installation time while ensuring complete coverage.
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
Enables easy installation, removal, and storage of seat covers, providing a practical solution for contour seats by allowing the seat cover to be securely attached and retracted, addressing the challenges of fitting and storage in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The retraction system may further comprise a spring loaded shaft for enrolling the seat cover
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to the field of seat covers and specifically to novel means for storing, installing and removing seat covers from seats. In its simplest form, the device comprises a removable seat cover, a mounting element for installing the seat cover and a retraction system for removing the seat cover.