Flexible Seat Flap Assembly for Concealing Cushion-Frame Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seat designs often reveal aesthetically unpleasing components underneath the seat bottom when in use, creating a gap that compromises the appearance of the seat assembly.
Innovation Solution
A flexible flap is attached to the seat bottom, extending its width and connected to the seat frame via a lengthwise slide fastener, which conceals the gap by tensioning or folding when the seat transitions between in-use and stowed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional seat design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the appearance is compromised due to visible gaps and underlying components
Solution Approach 1:
The seat bottom is divided into multiple sections: a main seat bottom portion and a separate flexible flap portion. This segmentation allows the flap to independently cover the gap between the seat bottom and frame while maintaining the overall structural integrity and simplicity of the seat assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible flap is introduced as an intermediary element between the seat bottom and the frame. This flap mediates the aesthetic issue by covering the gap and underlying components, while being attached through a slide fastener that allows it to adapt to different seat positions without complicating the core structural design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat cushion moves between in-use and stowed positions, then the functionality is improved, but the gap visibility changes creating aesthetic inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed to be flexible and dynamic, capable of changing its configuration based on the seat cushion position. When the seat is in the in-use position, the flap tensions to cover the gap; when stowed, the flap folds or relaxes to maintain coverage. This dynamic behavior ensures aesthetic consistency across different functional states.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap's physical state (tension, folding, or relaxing) changes in response to the seat cushion's position parameters. This parameter change allows the flap to maintain its gap-covering function whether the seat is in use or stowed, preserving appearance consistency throughout the range of motion.
3Shape
If a rigid cover is used to conceal the gap, then the appearance is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability to seat movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a rigid cover, a flexible flap made of pliable material is used to conceal the gap. This flexible film can bend, fold, and tension as needed to cover the gap effectively while adapting to the seat cushion's movement between in-use and stowed positions, maintaining both appearance and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a trim cover sized to be received on a seat cushion, whereby a gap is defined between a bottom front edge of the trim cover and a seat frame. A flap has an upper edge connected to the trim cover and a lower edge connectable to the seat frame. The flap conceals the gap. The flap is flexible such that the flap covers the gap when the seat cushion moves between an in-use position and a stowed position.