Vehicle Seat Backrest Coating Complex for Adaptive Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seat back designs are complex and difficult to produce, install, and aesthetically enhance, particularly in motor vehicles, due to rigid requirements and limited shape variability.

Innovation Solution

A seat back design featuring a coating complex with varying densities and shapes, bonded by sewing, allowing for adaptive rigidity and easy installation by transforming from a bag-like shape for simplified positioning on the seat structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid covering element is used to maintain shape and provide structural support, then the structural support is improved, but the ease of installation and adaptability to different shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The covering element transitions from a flexible bag-like state during installation to a rigid structured state during use. The element is initially soft and formable for easy installation, then acquires rigidity through foam polymerization and structural shaping to provide necessary support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rigidity parameter of the covering element is changed over time and space. The foam material transitions from a liquid state (easy to form) to a solid polymerized state (rigid and supportive). Different zones within the element have different density parameters to provide varying levels of rigidity where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If a complex shape is designed to enhance aesthetic appearance and provide ergonomic features, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and production difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The covering element uses a flexible bag-like structure that can be easily formed and molded into complex shapes. The flexibility allows the element to conform to various geometries during manufacturing, and the subsequent foam filling provides the necessary structural definition and aesthetic finish.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The covering element is a composite structure combining a flexible outer shell with an internal foam material. This composite approach allows the outer shell to be easily manufactured in complex shapes while the foam provides structural integrity and enables varied density zones for different functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform density foam is used throughout the covering element, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different stress zones and ergonomic requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to stresses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The foam material has different density values in different zones of the covering element. High-density foam is placed in areas requiring greater structural support and stress resistance, while low-density foam is used in areas requiring flexibility and comfort. This local variation in density optimizes both ergonomic performance and stress distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design simplifies production and installation while enhancing aesthetic appeal by providing flexible, high-rigidity zones and easy adaptation to stresses, offering improved passenger comfort and space through recessed areas.

Implementation Method 1

The coating complex comprises a foam layer (42) and a coating (12), the foam layer (42) being adhered to the coating (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

spraying polyurethane-type foam on one side of this support element... after polymerization of the foam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

the coating complex is able to recover by itself and to retain this proper (determined) shape by elastic return after deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2393690B1Backrest for a vehicle seat including a coating complex, and method for making such a backrest
Publication Date: 2013.05.15 FAURECIA SIEGES D AUTOMOBILE SA
  • EP2393690B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2393690B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2393690B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a backrest (2) for an automobile seat (1) having a front surface (2a) for receiving a passenger and a rear surface (2b) opposite the front surface (2a), said backrest including a structure (6), a cushioning (8) supported by the structure (6), and a lining member (10) in the form of a bag covering the structure (6) and the cushioning (8), the lining member (10) comprising a coating complex (20, 12a) having a specific shape and arranged on the rear surface (2b) of said backrest (2), the complex being bonded to a main portion (12b) of the lining member (10) extending on the front surface (2a) of said backrest.