Vehicle Seat Cushion Void for Modular Storage Bin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seating assemblies lack efficient storage solutions and customization options, with limited flexibility in design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seating assembly with a support structure defining bins, a cushion subassembly with a void of larger cross-sectional area, and seat inserts that can be easily removed and replaced, providing additional storage and customizable features like climate control and light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a bin is integrated into the seating assembly, then storage capacity is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bin is nested within the void of the cushion subassembly, with the seat insert disposed over the bin. This nested configuration allows the storage bin to be integrated into the seating structure without adding external complexity, as each component fits within the spatial envelope of the others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The void space within the cushion subassembly serves dual purposes: it provides structural support for the cushion while simultaneously housing the bin for storage and supporting the seat insert. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If seat inserts with larger cross-sectional area are used, then storage accessibility is improved, but the cushion void space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage accessibilityVSAvoidcushion void space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat insert extends beyond the bin boundaries in the horizontal plane, utilizing the lateral space within the cushion void. This dimensional extension allows for improved accessibility without requiring additional vertical space, effectively using the available void volume more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular seating design is implemented, then customization flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seating assembly is divided into distinct modular components: the support structure with bin, the cushion subassembly with void, and the removable seat insert. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled in various configurations to meet different customization requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bin and cushion subassembly are pre-manufactured as complete units with integrated features, allowing the seat inserts to be simply added or removed later. This preliminary preparation of subassemblies simplifies the customization process while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20190039526A1Vehicle seating assembly
Publication Date: 2019.02.07 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US20190039526A1 patent drawing
  • US20190039526A1 patent drawing
  • US20190039526A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The seating assembly includes a support structure defining a bin. A subassembly is disposed over the support structure and includes a cushion. The subassembly defines a void within the cushion. The void has a larger cross-sectional area than the bin. A seat insert is disposed within the void and is disposed over the bin.