Vehicle Seat Cover Structuring via Zigzag Seams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generic vehicle seat covers lack sufficient structuring and support, and are often too expensive to manufacture, failing to provide adequate comfort and durability.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat cover design featuring an underlay, a cover, and upholstery connected by longitudinal and transverse seams, with the longitudinal seam having indentations and bulges, and the transverse seam offset across the width, facilitating easier manufacturing and improved structuring through the use of padding strips between the cover and the base.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional smooth seams are used in seat covers, then manufacturing is simpler, but the seat cover lacks sufficient structuring and support

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructuringVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal seam is designed with indentations and/or bulges creating a zigzag course instead of a straight line. This curved, non-linear seam path creates structuring effects on the seat cover surface while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The seam is divided into multiple segments with varying courses (indentations and bulges) rather than being a continuous straight line. This segmentation allows the seam to provide structured support zones while remaining manufacturable through standard sewing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If expensive materials and complex construction are used, then support and comfort are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesupportVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seam configuration parameters (indentations, bulges, zigzag pattern) are optimized to provide adequate support and comfort using standard materials and manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for expensive materials or complex construction methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If the transverse seam runs straight across the width, then manufacturing is easier, but the seat cover lacks adequate structuring

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructuringVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse seam is designed to shift in its course rather than running straight, creating a stepped or offset pattern that enhances structuring while remaining compatible with efficient manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2611653B1Vehicle seat cover

Publication Date: 2016.06.15 JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle seat cover with an underlay, a cover and an upholstered element which is provided between the cover and the underlay, wherein the underlay, the cover and/or the upholstered element are connected to one another by means of at least one longitudinal seam and at least one transverse seam. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a seat cover, and to a vehicle seat having the seat cover according to the invention.