Vehicle Seat Backrest Assembly Decoupling Positioning and Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat assembly methods require manual handling and positioning of multiple objects, making it impractical for one person to assemble the backrest and seat part with fasteners, as the positioning of the backrest relative to the seat part is coupled with the attachment of fastening means.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling the positioning of the backrest relative to the seat part from the attachment of fastening means by using first and second means, such as snap connections and prestressed components, allowing provisional connection and subsequent secure attachment with fastening means like screws or rivets, enabling assembly with reduced manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning and attachment of backrest and seat part are performed simultaneously, then assembly precision can be maintained, but assembly complexity and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is divided into two independent stages: first, provisional positioning using first means (molded, incorporated, formed, or arranged features) to establish geometric alignment; second, permanent attachment using fastening means. This segmentation allows positioning and fastening to be performed separately, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The first means (such as molded protrusions, recesses, or arranged positioning features) are pre-configured on the backrest and seat part to establish the correct geometric relationship before fastening. This preliminary positioning action enables the components to be aligned properly before the actual attachment process, simplifying the overall assembly procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple objects (backrest, fasteners, tools) are held in position simultaneously, then assembly accuracy is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring multiple persons
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly operation is segmented into positioning phase (using first means) and fastening phase (using fastening means). During positioning, only the backrest and seat part need to be aligned using the pre-configured first means, eliminating the need to simultaneously handle fasteners and tools. This reduces the number of objects that must be held in position at once, enabling single-person operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first means are designed to automatically guide and maintain the correct positioning of the backrest relative to the seat part through geometric features (molded, incorporated, formed, or arranged structures). This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for manual holding or additional tools during the positioning phase, improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If provisional connection is made before permanent attachment, then ease of operation improves by enabling single-person assembly, but device complexity increases due to additional connection means
Solution Approach 1:
The first means (positioning features) and fastening means are merged into a unified assembly system where the same structural features serve both positioning and attachment functions. For example, molded protrusions and recesses provide both geometric alignment and mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for separate positioning and fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The first means are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as positioning elements (through molded, incorporated, formed, or arranged geometric features) and as attachment points for fastening means. This universal design reduces the need for additional specialized components, minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling easy single-person assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a backrest, which is connected to a sitting part by means of a backrest adjusting element, wherein the backrest adjusting element has a part that is connected to the backrest or to the sitting part.