Vehicle Seat Bracket Assembly with Snap Fit Retention for Electrical Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bracket assemblies for vehicle seating do not efficiently accommodate and secure electrical components, such as motors and control modules, which are essential for actuating seat positions, leading to potential instability and ease of removal issues.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat bracket assembly with retention features, including a U-shaped outer bracket and snap fit retention features, connects to the seat cushion tube and supports electrical connector modules, ensuring secure attachment and easy installation of electrical control modules for actuator control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate bracket is used to assemble electrical modules to the seat, then the electrical components can be mounted on the seat, but the connection may be unstable and prone to easy removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidresistance to unwanted removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: a main bracket body for mounting, separate retention features for securing the electrical module, and attachment means for connecting to the seat. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with retention features providing secure attachment while preventing unwanted removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly incorporates pre-configured retention features and attachment means that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These preliminary structural arrangements ensure that when the electrical module is installed, it is automatically secured with appropriate retention forces, preventing easy removal without requiring additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical modules are assembled to the seat with a bracket, then the seat can be controlled with actuators, but the assembly may lack secure attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical component accommodationVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support for electrical modules, secure attachment to the seat, and retention features to prevent removal. This universal design allows a single bracket assembly to accommodate various electrical components while maintaining strong, secure attachment in all configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket assembly may incorporate composite construction with different materials optimized for specific functions: rigid materials for structural support, high-strength materials for attachment points, and retention features with appropriate friction characteristics. This composite approach ensures both adaptability for different electrical modules and sufficient attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9987950B2Vehicle seat electrical connector bracket assembly

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle seat bracket assembly is provided that includes a bracket connected to a vehicle seat structure and including one or more retention features. The vehicle seat bracket assembly also includes an electrical connector module receivably connected to the bracket via the one or more retention features. The vehicle seat bracket assembly further includes one or more electrical control modules connected to the electrical connector module.