Polymer-Coated Vehicle Seat Backrest for Dirt-Resistant Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seats, particularly the rear or back surfaces, are prone to dirt accumulation and damage due to neglect in design and the use of basic fabrics that are not robust enough to resist dirt and damage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat backrest is designed with a flexible, non-woven base material coated with a polymer layer that is dirt and moisture repellent, providing a durable and easy-to-clean surface, and features elastic extensions and recesses for seat components, allowing for secure attachment and vibration reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If basic fabrics are used for seat surfaces, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the seat surface becomes prone to dirt accumulation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a base fabric layer with a polymer coating layer. The base fabric provides structural integrity and comfort, while the polymer coating (such as polyurethane or polyolefin) provides dirt and moisture repellency, durability, and ease of cleaning. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by achieving both cost-effectiveness and high reliability against dirt and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the seat material by applying a polymer coating that modifies the surface energy and texture. This coating transforms the fabric surface from one that readily absorbs dirt and moisture to one that repels both, while maintaining the underlying fabric's cost advantages. The parameter change in surface properties enables the fabric to resist dirt accumulation and damage without increasing base material cost.
2Reliability
If a robust polymer-coated material is used for the seat surface, then resistance to dirt and damage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the base fabric with polymer material before final assembly into the seat. This pre-coating process creates a durable, dirt-repellent surface that simplifies subsequent manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The robust coating is applied in advance to the fabric panels, allowing them to be handled and installed as complete, ready-to-use components rather than requiring post-assembly coating operations.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible non-woven base material with polymer coating is used, then ease of cleaning is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the seat material by applying a polymer coating that modifies the surface energy and texture. This coating transforms the fabric surface from one that readily absorbs dirt and moisture to one that repels both, while maintaining the underlying fabric's cost advantages. The parameter change in surface properties enables the fabric to resist dirt accumulation and damage without increasing base material cost.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution offers a robust, easy-to-clean seat surface that resists dirt and damage while maintaining comfort and reducing noise and vibration, enhancing the durability and aesthetic appeal of vehicle seats.
Implementation Method 1
coated with a polymer layer that is dirt and moisture repellent
Implementation Method 2
features elastic extensions and recesses for seat components, allowing for secure attachment and vibration reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A part for a seat may have a base material comprised of a flexible, non-woven material. The base material may have a polymeric coating on at least part of the base material. A trim piece may be sewn to the coated base material.