Seat Back Frame Reinforcement for Stronger Corner Intersections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat back frames face challenges in effectively improving strength, particularly at intersection points, due to the difficulty in efficiently coupling reinforcing members via corner brackets.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat back frame design featuring metal reinforcing members with specific flange configurations and overlapping walls, joined by welding, forms a continuous closed cross-sectional shape, enhancing strength at corners and distributing load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing members are coupled via corner brackets at panel edges, then the frame structure is formed, but the strength at intersection points is insufficient and stress concentration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the corner bracket and reinforcing member into a single integrated component. The L-shaped reinforcing member directly extends along both adjacent panel edges without requiring separate corner brackets, simplifying the structure while maintaining strength at the intersection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member extends into the gap between adjacent panels, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to create overlap and joined portions. This dimensional approach allows the reinforcing member to span across the panel edge and connect with adjacent reinforcing members, distributing stress effectively without complex corner brackets.
2Strength
If reinforcing members extend along panel edges, then structural support is provided, but stress concentration occurs at corner intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is segmented into distinct functional portions: an extending portion along the panel edge, a gap-spanning portion that overlaps adjacent panels, and joined portions that connect with other reinforcing members. This segmentation allows stress to be distributed across multiple segments rather than concentrating at a single corner point.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap-spanning portion of the reinforcing member acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between adjacent panels. This intermediary portion transfers and distributes loads across the panel junction, preventing stress concentration by providing a gradual transition zone rather than a sharp corner connection.
3Strength
If flanges are joined to panel members, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are integrated into the reinforcing member as integral components rather than separate parts. The L-shaped reinforcing member includes flanges that extend from its legs, eliminating the need for separate flange components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining connection strength through welding or other joining methods.
Data Source
AI summary
In a back frame applied to a seatback, a first flange of a first reinforcing member is joined to a panel member at either or both of a portion on at least either of sides across a diagonal center line of the panel member and a portion crossing the diagonal center line, and second flanges of the first reinforcing member are joined to the panel member at respective portions on one side and the other side across the diagonal center line. A part of a second reinforcing member on a side of an intersection point between a first side part and a second side part of the panel member is overlapped and joined with a first wall of the first reinforcing member.