Vehicle Seat Lining Integrating Vibrating Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs face challenges in integrating vibrating devices without compromising occupant comfort and in effectively isolating vibrations to prevent frame resonance, which affects the perception of vibrations intended for warning or entertainment purposes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat element lining with cushioning featuring holes for vibrating devices, each secured by distinct snap-fit reliefs and brackets, and optionally plugged with denser foam pads to absorb and direct vibrations, limiting their transmission to the cushioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vibrating devices are integrated into the seat frame, then entertainment or warning functions are achieved, but vibrations propagate through the frame causing resonance and reducing occupant comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The seat lining is divided into multiple independent cushioning elements, each capable of vibrating independently. This segmentation prevents vibration propagation through the frame by isolating each vibrating element within its own cushioning unit, thereby eliminating frame resonance while maintaining entertainment and warning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning elements act as intermediary components between the vibrating devices and the seat frame. These intermediaries absorb and localize vibrations, preventing them from propagating to the frame. The cushioning material serves as a vibration-isolating mediator that maintains the harmful vibrations away from the frame structure.
2Device complexity
If vibrating devices are directly mounted to the frame, then structural support is simplified, but vibrations are transmitted to the cushioning reducing occupant comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into multiple independent brackets distributed across the seat frame. Each bracket supports individual vibrating devices and cushioning elements, creating isolated vibration zones. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity by using simple, repeated mounting units while preventing vibration transmission through the cushioning material.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning material exhibits different local qualities: it is rigid enough to support the vibrating devices locally, yet compliant enough to absorb and isolate vibrations. The varying density and elasticity of the cushioning material in different zones allow it to both support the mounting structure and prevent vibration transmission to the frame.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vibrating devices are integrated into the seat, then entertainment functionality is enhanced, but vibration isolation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seat incorporates multiple independent vibrating devices, each housed in its own cushioning element. This segmentation allows each device to operate independently without interfering with others, enhancing entertainment functionality. The isolation complexity is reduced by using identical, modular cushioning elements that can be replicated across multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the vibrating devices, isolate vibrations from the frame, and enhance occupant comfort. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate vibration isolation systems for each vibrating device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances occupant comfort by isolating vibrations, ensuring they are directed towards the occupant rather than being diffused through the seat frame, thereby improving the perception of vibrations for entertainment or warning purposes.
Implementation Method 1
the cushioning makes it possible to absorb the vibrations emitted by the vibrating device that would tend to propagate in the frame equipped with the lining
Implementation Method 2
the hole preferably being plugged on the side of the first face of the cushioning, by a foam pad, attached in the hole and distinct from the cushioning, the foam pad being, also preferably, denser than the cushioning
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat element lining comprises a cushioning comprising at least one first face intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat and a second face, opposite the first face, the cushioning having at least one hole opening on the first and/or the second face of the cushioning; at least one vibrating device disposed in a hole, each vibrating device comprising at least two first snap-fit reliefs; a plurality of distinct vibrating device brackets, each comprising a base, overmolded by the cushioning, and a second snap-fit relief, each vibrating device being fastened to at least two respective brackets, by snap-fitting the first and second snap-fit reliefs.