Vehicle Seat Hanger With Compliant Insert For Device Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle entertainment systems lack an efficient and aesthetically pleasing method to mount and secure portable electronic devices and headphones, while allowing for clothing storage without obstructing the device's screen or causing rattling noise.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle entertainment center accessory assembly featuring a hanger with slots and a compliant insert that securely holds electronic devices, allowing for easy mounting to a seat assembly, and a headphone support that minimizes obstruction and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hanger is added to mount electronic devices and store clothing, then device mounting capability and clothing storage are improved, but device complexity and structural space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice mounting capabilityVSAvoidstructural space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger assembly integrates multiple functions into a single structure: the hanger body simultaneously serves as a mounting structure for electronic devices (via slots and securement points) and as a clothing hanger. The insert combines device retention features with channel structures, merging device mounting and clothing storage capabilities in one integrated component rather than separate assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it mounts electronic devices securely, stores clothing items, and provides structural support for both purposes. The slots and securement points accommodate various device sizes and types, while the overall hanger form factor enables universal use for both device mounting and apparel storage without requiring separate dedicated structures.

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

2Reliability

If a hanger with slots and insert is used to secure devices, then device security and stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger assembly is divided into distinct segments: the main hanger body with integrated slots, and a separate insert component with channel features. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using simpler processes, then assembled together to create the secure device mounting structure. The slots are formed as integral features of the hanger body, reducing the need for complex post-manufacturing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is designed to be received within the hanger body, with the channel features nested within the slot structures. This nested configuration allows the securement mechanism to be compact while maintaining device stability, and simplifies manufacturing by allowing the insert to be produced separately and inserted into the pre-formed hanger slots rather than requiring complex integrated machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hanger is positioned to allow clothing storage, then clothing storage capability is improved, but screen obstruction may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclothing storage capabilityVSAvoidscreen obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is positioned and oriented in three-dimensional space above and around the electronic device rather than directly in front of the screen. The clothing storage function utilizes the vertical and lateral dimensions of the hanger structure, allowing garments to hang below or beside the device without blocking the forward-facing screen. This spatial arrangement enables both clothing storage and unobstructed viewing simultaneously.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3371007B1Vehicle entertainment center assembly with hanger
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 NSV GRP FZCO
  • EP3371007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3371007B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3371007B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An accessory assembly operatively connected to vehicle seat includes a housing having a front surface and an opposing rear surface. A screen is disposed on the rear surface of the housing. A hanger cooperates with and is removably connected to the housing. The hanger includes a central portion having a cavity at least partially formed therein and first and second shoulder portions extending from opposing ends of the central portion. An insert is removably connected to the cavity in the central portion of the hanger and defines a channel configured to receive and releasably engage an object therein.