Seat Hooking Structure for Tool-Free Fastener Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle seat design requires replacing the entire base trim cover when a slide fastener breaks, leading to increased repair costs.
Innovation Solution
A hooking structure featuring an open-type slide fastener not stitched to the base trim cover, with a plastic fixing member that includes a flexible locking part, allowing for the replacement of the fastening member without replacing the base trim cover, and enabling tool-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the slide fastener is stitched to the base trim cover, then the fastening member is securely fixed, but the entire base trim cover must be replaced when the fastener breaks, increasing repair cost
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening structure is segmented into three independent components: the base trim cover, the fastening member (slide fastener), and the fixing member (plastic clip). This segmentation allows the fastening member to be replaced independently without replacing the base trim cover, directly reducing repair costs while maintaining secure fixation through the fixing member.
2Ease of operation
If a metal fixing member is used, then the locking function is reliable, but it gives an uncomfortable feeling and looks less aesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member is changed from metal to plastic material, altering the physical parameters of the component. This material change eliminates the uncomfortable feeling and aesthetic issues associated with metal, while the plastic material is designed with appropriate mechanical properties to maintain reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic fixing member is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced. While individual plastic clips may have shorter service lives than metal, their low cost and ease of replacement make them practically equivalent or superior to metal fixtures, while providing better comfort and aesthetics.
3Ease of operation
If the locked part has a wedge-shaped cross section, then the locking claws are pressed apart facilitating insertion, but the locked part requires rotation and manipulation for detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locked part is designed with a wedge-shaped cross section that enables dynamic interaction with the locking claws. During insertion, the wedge shape automatically presses the locking claws apart through rotational motion. During detachment, the same wedge shape requires reverse rotation to release the locking claws. This dynamic design simplifies insertion while making detachment intentionally more complex to prevent accidental removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A hooking structure includes a fastening member that is configured from an open-type slide fastener and is not stitched to a base trim cover, and a plastic fixing member for fixing one fastener half part to a seat member in a groove part formed in a seat member and used for hooking. The fastening member is provided with a locked part, the fixing member is provided with a flexible locking part that locks with the locked part, and the other fastener half part and a dressing cover are anchored together by an anchoring part.