Vehicle Seat Airbag Bracket Layout for Back-Side Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle seats with side airbag modules have low workability when attaching the airbag module from the seat back side due to the attachment of the airbag module to a bracket extending from the side frame toward the seat front side.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle seat design includes a side frame with a bracket attached to the inner surface of the side frame, a back protrusion portion, and an airbag module fixed to this protrusion, allowing for compact attachment and improved workability from the seat back side, with the airbag module attached to both the bracket and the side surface of a plate frame, and utilizing a retainer with protrusion portions fixed by bolts and nuts for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the airbag module is attached to a bracket extending from the side frame toward the seat front side, then the airbag module can be securely mounted, but the workability when attaching from the seat back side deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional attachment approach by extending the bracket backward from the side frame toward the seat back side, rather than forward toward the seat front side. This inversion allows the airbag module to be attached from the seat back side, significantly improving workability and accessibility during assembly while maintaining secure mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by adding a back protrusion portion that extends in the depth direction (front-back axis) of the seat. This dimensional extension creates an accessible attachment surface on the seat back side, transforming the attachment geometry from a side-only approach to a multi-directional approach that facilitates easier assembly
2Strength
If the airbag module is attached to both the bracket and the plate frame, then the attachment strength increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two attachment functions into a single integrated bracket structure. The bracket simultaneously connects to both the side frame (via the backward extension) and the plate frame (via the back protrusion portion), creating a unified attachment system that achieves strong mounting without requiring separate attachment mechanisms for each frame component
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple attachment roles: it secures the airbag module to the side frame structure, provides attachment to the plate frame, and enables access from the seat back side. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining strong attachment
3Reliability
If the bracket is attached to a lower portion below the joint portion, then the shock absorption is maintained, but the attachment position options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically positioning the bracket attachment at a lower portion below the joint portion between the side frame and plate frame. This localized placement ensures the bracket attaches to a region optimized for shock absorption while the bracket's extended geometry (backward extension and back protrusion) compensates for the limited position options by creating accessibility from the seat back side
Data Source
AI summary
To improve workability when attaching an airbag module disposed in a side portion of a vehicle seat from a seat back side. A vehicle seat (S) includes: a side frame (13) which constitutes a side portion of a seat back frame (10); a bracket (20) which includes an attachment portion (21) attached to a side surface of the side frame (13) on a seat inner side and a back protrusion portion (22) protruding backward from the attachment portion (21); and an airbag module (30) which includes a retainer (34) fixed to the back protrusion portion (22).