Vehicle Seat Backrest Stiffening Structure for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat backrest rear panels lack sufficient rigidity to meet increasing structural demands, as traditional reinforcement methods fail to provide adequate torsional and flexural stability.
Innovation Solution
A seat backrest rear panel design featuring a stiffening structure with protruding reinforcement profiles, aligned using topology-optimized load paths, which can be positively or non-positively locked to the panel, enhancing stability and allowing for cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional reinforcement methods are used, then the structure can be kept simple, but the torsional and flexural rigidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is divided into multiple straight profile sections that can be separately produced and then connected to form the complete reinforcement structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving the complex rigidity requirements when assembled together
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure combines multiple profile sections with different orientations and potentially different material properties to create a composite structure that achieves superior torsional and flexural rigidity compared to single-material or single-configuration reinforcements
2Strength
If reinforcement profiles are added to increase stability, then the rigidity improves, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement profiles are strategically positioned at specific locations on the backrest plate where they are most needed for structural support. The profile configuration and material thickness are locally optimized to provide maximum rigidity enhancement with minimum weight addition, rather than uniformly reinforcing the entire structure
3Strength
If multiple reinforcement profiles with different cross sections are used, then the load distribution is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is segmented into multiple independent profile sections that can be manufactured using standard production processes and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific loading conditions while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modular production
Solution Approach 2:
The profile cross-section parameters (such as thickness, width, and shape) are varied across different reinforcement sections to optimize load distribution. These parameter changes are implemented in a controlled manner that balances performance optimization with manufacturing feasibility
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The seat backrest (1) has a base body that is molded as a plate (2) and a reinforcement structure (3) that is brought in the plate in section-wise manner. A reinforcement profile (4,5) is arranged at an upper surface side, particularly at a front side of the plate in form-fit or force-fit manner. A cycle or a cross section of the reinforcement profile is aligned in combination with the cycle of the reinforcement structure. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a seat backrest.