Seat Cover Retaining Element Geometry to Prevent Entanglement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching a seat cover to a seat padding element, such as those in DE 10 2017 203 322 A1 and EP 3 065 972 A1, face challenges in withstanding tensile forces, simplicity of construction, and efficient production, particularly in mass and automated production, while avoiding entanglement and twisting of retaining elements during storage, transportation, and sorting.
Innovation Solution
A retaining element with a fastening region and at least one anchoring region, shaped as a one-part bent wire or filiform plastic structure, featuring a concavity that reduces the anchoring opening size to prevent entanglement and enhances stability against rotation, allowing for easy separation and sorting, and can be molded into foam padding elements for secure attachment of seat covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If retaining elements are made as continuous cable or wire to adapt to different padding elements and seat covers, then versatility is improved, but entanglement and twisting occur during storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is divided into discrete modular units with standardized components (clips, anchoring regions, fastening regions) that can be independently handled and assembled, preventing entanglement while maintaining adaptability through configuration variations
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are designed with curved or bent geometries that naturally resist tangling during storage and handling, while the curved shapes provide effective anchoring in foam padding elements
2Strength
If retaining elements are made complex to withstand tensile forces and ensure secure attachment, then strength is improved, but construction and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into single components: the clip integrates fastening, anchoring, and tension distribution functions; the bent wire structure combines structural strength with entanglement resistance in one element, simplifying both construction and production
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements utilize material parameter optimization (wire diameter, clip geometry, bend radii) to achieve required tensile strength without increasing structural complexity, allowing simple one-piece constructions that meet strength requirements
3Ease of operation
If anchoring opening size is reduced to prevent entanglement, then ease of storage and sorting is improved, but anchoring function may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring region features localized geometric variations (concavities, specific loop configurations) that provide effective foam penetration and anchoring in critical areas while keeping the overall element size compact for easy handling and storage
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 solution prevents permanent entanglement of retaining elements, simplifies production and assembly, provides secure tensile strength, and allows for the use of identical parts for various padding elements, facilitating automated manufacturing and efficient storage, transportation, and sorting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one anchoring region for foaming into a padding element
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining element for a cover retaining assembly of a vehicle seat may have a fastening region for a cover fastening element and at least one anchoring region for foaming into a cushion element. The retaining element is in the form of a one-part, bent wire or a one-part, filiform plastic structure. The bent wire or the filiform plastic structure is shaped in the anchoring region in such a way that at least one anchoring opening is defined which has at least one concavity directed towards the fastening region. A set of multiple retaining elements formed as identical parts may also be used in association with a cover retaining assembly and a vehicle seat.