Vehicle Seat Backrest Composite Frame Threaded Sleeve Connection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat backrests lack sufficient load-bearing capacity and an improved contour, leading to potential discomfort and pressure points for occupants.

Innovation Solution

A seating part comprising a pipe frame and a composite component, where the pipe frame has threaded sleeves on its front for attaching the composite component, which forms a contour element with stiffening structures, and a flexible adaptation element ensures even distribution of load and reduces pressure points, with connection technology hidden from view for aesthetic purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a tubular frame with threaded sleeve is used to attach the composite component, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidconnection elements
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded sleeve is nested within the tubular frame structure, with the screw passing through the composite component and engaging the threaded sleeve that is integrated into or attached on the tubular frame. This nesting approach allows multiple connection functions to be compactly arranged without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite component made of fiber-reinforced plastic material that is attached to the metallic tubular frame. This composite construction allows the backrest to achieve high load-bearing capacity while maintaining weight efficiency and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the composite component is shaped to form a contour element, then the comfort is improved by reducing pressure points, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidcontour shaping
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The composite component features locally varied thickness and contour shaping, with thicker regions in high-load areas and thinner regions where less support is needed. This local quality variation optimizes comfort by distributing pressure evenly while managing manufacturing complexity through focused precision requirements only where critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The contour element is designed with dynamic adaptability through its shell structure, which can flex and conform to different body shapes and sizes. This dynamic characteristic allows a single component design to provide comfort across multiple occupants without requiring custom manufacturing for each individual.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the connection elements are hidden from view, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of repair decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidaccessibility of connection elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is segmented into modular components including the composite contour element, tubular frame, and connection elements. This segmentation allows the connection elements to be accessed by removing or detaching the composite component, enabling easy repair and maintenance while maintaining aesthetic appearance when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded sleeve acts as an intermediary element that is partially concealed by the tubular frame structure. The screw passes through the composite component and engages the threaded sleeve, allowing the connection mechanism to be hidden from view while remaining accessible for maintenance through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3807126B1Seat part, especially backrest for a vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 ADIENT US LLC
  • EP3807126B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3807126B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3807126B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The invention relates to a seat part (S) for a vehicle seat (2), comprising a support structure (T) which has a tubular frame (3) and a composite component (4), wherein the tubular frame (3) has at least one opening (6) on a front side, in which a threaded sleeve (8) is arranged and the composite component (4) is arranged on the front side of the tubular frame (3) and is secured to the tubular frame (3) by means of a screw (10) screwed into the threaded sleeve (8).