Seat Cover Thread Strength for Airbag Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seats with side airbags require separate materials for cushion pads, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for a partition wall and dual materials for comfort and support, which complicates the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A seat design featuring a front seat cover and a side seat cover with differing stretchability and thread strengths, allowing a single cushion pad to be used, where the less stretchable front cover and more stretchable side cover facilitate lateral airbag deployment without the need for a separate hard cushion pad, using a junction with specific thread configurations for reliable deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hard and soft cushion pads are used for lateral support and comfort, then occupant support during vehicle turns is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase due to partition walls and dual materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of hard cushion pads (for lateral support) and soft cushion pads (for comfort) into a single integrated cushion pad structure. The side seat cover is designed with specific geometric features including an inclined lower end and a recessed region, creating zones that provide both lateral support and comfort without requiring separate pads or partition walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The side seat cover incorporates local geometric variations to provide different functions in different regions. The lower end of the side seat cover is inclined relative to the vertical direction, and a recessed region is formed in the side seat cover, creating localized areas for lateral support and comfort within a single unified structure.
2Device complexity
If a single cushion pad is used instead of separate hard and soft pads, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to provide both lateral support and comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The side seat cover incorporates local geometric variations to provide different functions in different regions. The lower end of the side seat cover is inclined relative to the vertical direction, and a recessed region is formed in the side seat cover, creating localized areas for lateral support and comfort within a single unified structure.
3Reliability
If the front seat cover is made less stretchable for reliable airbag deployment, then airbag deployment reliability is improved, but comfort and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the seat cover are designed with different stretchability characteristics. The front seat cover is made less stretchable to ensure reliable airbag deployment, while the side seat cover is designed with appropriate stretchability to maintain comfort and flexibility. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A first exemplary seat with a side airbag disposed therein includes a front seat cover and a side seat cover. The seat covers are releasably attached together at a junction configured for the airbag to be deployed therethrough. The front seat cover is less stretchable than the side seat cover. A second exemplary seat with a side airbag disposed therein includes a front seat cover and a side seat cover. The seat covers are releasably attached together at a junction configured for the airbag to be deployed therethrough. The junction includes a first thread of the front seat cover, and a second thread of the second seat cover. The first thread is stronger than the second thread.