Seat Cover Operation Unit Integration for Cushion Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of operation switches in automobile seats is limited by the automobile frame and seated person's comfort, restricting the placement and increasing the width of the seat cushion.
Innovation Solution
A seat apparatus with a seat cover formed by sewing together skin material pieces, incorporating a projection for the operation unit that can be positioned between the seating face and side face, allowing for increased flexibility and reduced finisher size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation switch is placed on the side face of the seat cushion, then the operation unit is accessible, but the width of the seat cushion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is integrated into the seat cover itself rather than being placed on the side face of the seat cushion. By forming the operation unit directly on the seat cover surface, the invention moves the operation unit from a lateral placement (side face) to a surface placement (seat cover), thereby eliminating the need to reduce seat cushion width while maintaining accessibility.
2Reliability
If the operation switch is provided in the finisher, then the operation unit is protected, but the position of installation is limited by the automobile frame
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cover serves multiple functions: it covers the seat cushion for comfort and protection, and simultaneously integrates the operation unit for controlling various seat functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate finisher structure, allowing the operation unit to be positioned anywhere on the seat cover surface without being constrained by the automobile frame or seat cushion width.
3Reliability
If a separate finisher is used to house the operation switch, then the operation unit is protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the operation unit directly into the seat cover structure. Instead of having a separate finisher component to house the operation switch, the operation unit is integrated into the seat cover material itself, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining protection and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat apparatus equipped with a seat cover that covers at least part of the seat apparatus surface and is formed by sewing a plurality of skin material pieces together, an operation unit for receiving an operation from an operator, and a covering material for covering the operation unit, wherein: the covering material is formed as part of the skin material pieces, or is formed by sewing a member that is separate from the skin material pieces to the skin material pieces; and a projection is formed that projects in the outward direction from the seat cover when the operation unit is covered.