Seat Cushion Attachment Using Compressible Stiffening Wire Loops

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching a seat cushion with a stiffening wire and foam to a vehicle seat frame are cumbersome, requiring multiple operations and tools, leading to increased maintenance costs and inconvenience due to potential clip breakages.

Innovation Solution

A method that secures attachment flanges to the seat frame, allowing the cushion to be manually compressed to insert end loops of the stiffening wire into the flanges, eliminating the need for tools in most cases, with optional use of screws or clips for additional fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional clipping or screwing operations are used to attach the cushion, then the cushion can be securely fixed to the seat frame, but the installation process becomes complex and requires multiple tools and operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is segmented with end loops integrated into the stiffening wire structure, allowing the cushion to be divided into functional segments (body and attachment loops) that can be independently positioned and secured to the seat frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end loops act as intermediary elements between the cushion and the seat frame, providing a simple mechanical interface that eliminates the need for complex clipping or screwing operations while ensuring secure fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple fastening operations are performed along the assembly line, then the cushion is securely attached, but the installation time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The end loops are pre-integrated into the cushion's stiffening wire structure during manufacturing, so that no additional fastening components need to be installed during assembly. The cushion is simply positioned and the loops engage with the seat frame in a single operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex fastening operations and multiple tools are extracted from the assembly process, leaving only the simple positioning and engagement of the pre-integrated end loops with the seat frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If clips or screws are used to fix the cushion, then the cushion can be securely mounted, but maintenance costs increase due to potential breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The end loops are designed as simple, robust, and potentially replaceable elements that are less prone to breakage than traditional clips or screws. If damage occurs, the loops can be easily replaced without requiring complex repair procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The end loops provide self-aligning and self-securing functionality, reducing the risk of improper installation that could lead to breakage. The design inherently guides the attachment process, minimizing user error and associated maintenance issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If traditional fastening methods are used, then the cushion is firmly attached, but the removal and reinstallation process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment firmnessVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end loops provide a dynamic attachment system that allows for easy engagement and disengagement. The loops can be simply inserted into and removed from the seat frame without requiring tools or complex operations, enabling rapid reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3862222B1Method for attaching a seat cushion
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 RENAULT SA
  • EP3862222B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3862222B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3862222B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for attaching a cushion (5) to a seat frame (4) of a seat (1), said cushion (5) comprising a stiffening wire (8), a foam (7) and a cover (9), said wire (8) being embedded in said foam (7) which is itself delimited by said cover (9). According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: - a step of manually compressing said cushion (5) to allow at least one end loop (11, 12) of the stiffening wire (8) to be inserted into a fastening bracket (16, 17) attached to the seat frame (4), - a step of releasing the cushion (5) to allow said end loop (11, 12) to slide inside the bracket (16, 17),