Seat Back Frame Nested Shell Design for Rotatable Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat assemblies lack a design that effectively integrates a rotatable seat back with a comfort shell and inflatable bladders to enhance occupant support and adjustability, particularly in vehicular and non-vehicular applications.

Innovation Solution

A seat assembly design featuring a seat back frame with side members extending from an upper to a lower cross member, a comfort shell with corresponding side members defining an opening for the frame, and inflatable bladders between the shell and side bolster flaps, allowing the seat back to pivot and adjust dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shell is added to encircle the seat back frame, then occupant comfort and support are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant supportVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is disposed on the seat back frame such that the seat back frame extends through a shell opening, creating a nested configuration where the frame passes through the shell structure. This nesting approach integrates the shell encircling the frame while maintaining structural coherence and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The shell is divided into first and second shell side members that extend from an upper shell cross member to a lower shell cross member, with a shell opening defined between them. This segmentation allows the shell to encircle the seat back frame while maintaining flexibility in assembly and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the seat back is made rotatable about an axis, then adjustability and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidmechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat back is configured to be rotatable about an axis with respect to the seat bottom, transforming the static seat structure into a dynamic one. This rotational capability allows the seat back to adjust to different positions and angles, enhancing adaptability while integrating the movement mechanism into the overall frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If inflatable bladders are added between the shell and side bolster flap, then comfort and support are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort supportVSAvoidassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

An inflatable bladder is integrated between the shell and the side bolster flap, utilizing pneumatic principles to provide adjustable comfort and support. The bladder can be inflated or deflated to accommodate different occupant preferences and requirements, adding a functional element that enhances comfort while maintaining a relatively compact structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Data Source

PatentUS10427570B2Seat assembly having a shell disposed on a seat back frame

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A seat assembly having a seat back that has a seat back frame and a shell. The seat back frame may extend through a shell opening such that an upper shell cross member is disposed on a back side of the seat back frame and a lower shell cross member may be disposed on a front side of the seat back frame.