Conveyance seat

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyance seats with side frames configured by overlapping side frame pieces face challenges in ensuring sufficient rigidity at the overlapping parts, which can lead to reduced structural integrity and comfort.

Innovation Solution

The design enhances rigidity by forming multiple closed regions in the cross-section of the overlapping side frame pieces, with varying areas and orientations, and incorporating reinforcement features like raised regions and flange portions to prevent spreading and improve structural stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If side frame pieces are configured to partially overlap each other for flexible seat size adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but rigidity at the overlapping part deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat size adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidrigidity at overlapping part

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single closed region configuration to a multi-level closed region structure. Multiple closed regions are formed at different heights in the overlapping part, creating a three-dimensional reinforcement structure that significantly enhances rigidity while preserving the overlapping configuration for size adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The overlapping part is designed as a composite structure combining multiple side frame pieces with different cross-sectional shapes. The first side frame piece has a different cross-sectional shape than the second side frame piece, creating a composite structure that maximizes rigidity through geometric diversity rather than material composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If multiple closed regions are formed in the overlapping part to enhance rigidity, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of overlapping partVSAvoidstructural complexity of side frame

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side frame is divided into multiple side frame pieces (first side frame piece, second side frame piece) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the complex multi-level closed region structure to be achieved through modular assembly rather than a single monolithic component, making the complexity manageable and the structure adaptable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11001178B2Conveyance seat

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 TS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Rigidity is improved at a part where side frame pieces overlap each other in a side frame. In a vehicle seat provided with a seat back frame, a side frame of the seat back frame has a first side frame piece and a second side frame piece partially overlapping each other in a direction of extension of the side frame. The side frame has an overlapping part where both the first side frame piece and the second side frame piece overlap each other. At the overlapping part, the side frame pieces overlap each other in a state where a plurality of closed regions and closed by being surrounded by both side frame pieces are formed in a cross section of the overlapping part intersecting with the direction of extension of the side frame.