Vehicle Seat Frame Structure Without Cushion Side Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing seat frames in vehicles are hindered by the weight of the cushion side frame, which obstructs efforts to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Innovation Solution

A seat frame design that omits the cushion side frame by using a pair of rails, a cushion frame with a closed cross-sectional shape, front and rear links, and a connection bracket to connect the seatback frame, allowing for weight reduction while maintaining operational functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a cushion side frame is used to support the cushion panel and connect to the seatback frame, then the structural integrity and support function are ensured, but the weight of the seat frame increases significantly (comprising 8-10% of total seat frame weight)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidseat frame weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the cushion side frame from the seat frame structure. Instead of using a traditional cushion side frame that connects the rail to the seatback frame, the patent employs a rail with an integrated connection structure that directly connects to the seatback frame, eliminating the need for separate cushion side frame components and thereby reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of the rail and the connection structure into a single integrated component. The rail includes a connection protrusion that directly engages with the seatback frame, combining what were previously separate elements (rail + cushion side frame + connection mechanisms) into one unified structure, reducing part count and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple components (cushion side frame, links, brackets) are used to achieve seat frame functionality, then the operational mechanisms are complete, but the number of components increases and weight is added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mechanism completenessVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple functional components into the rail structure itself. The rail includes integrated connection protrusions and engagement structures that perform the functions previously requiring separate cushion side frames, links, and brackets. This merging maintains operational reliability while significantly reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rail is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, enables movement, and includes integrated connection mechanisms for the seatback frame. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized components like cushion side frames, as the rail performs multiple functions that were previously distributed across several parts.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11897371B2Seat frame
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 POHANG IRON & STEEL CO LTD
  • US11897371B2 patent drawing
  • US11897371B2 patent drawing
  • US11897371B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a seat frame with reduced weight due to not including a cushion side frame, the seat frame comprising: a pair of rails; a cushion frame which supports a cushion and has a closed cross-sectional shape; front links which connect the rails to the cushion frame on the front side; rear links which connect the rails to the cushion frame on the rear side; and connection brackets which connect the rear links to a seatback frame.