Seat Module Cable Retention via Pre-Assembled Plate

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automotive seat assemblies with mechanical control cables require numerous brackets and binder members for retention, leading to a complex and time-consuming assembly process, with potential for errors and damage due to limited space constraints, and there is a need to simplify components, reduce weight, and improve durability while maintaining performance.

Innovation Solution

A seat module with a pre-assembled module plate that temporarily stows mechanical control cables, eliminating the need for brackets and zip ties by using a mechanical-lock type retention feature to securely attach and position the cables, allowing for easier assembly and reduced variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical control cables are individually fastened to brackets using binder members, then the cables are retained in their routed positions, but the assembly process becomes long and awkward with greater variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable retentionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple binder members and brackets are merged into a single integrated cable retention component that holds multiple cables simultaneously, reducing the number of separate attachment operations required during assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Cables are pre-routed and pre-attached to the retention component before final assembly, allowing the retention system to be installed as a single unit rather than attaching each cable individually during the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If mechanical control cables are attached through limited space enclosed by seat rails and mechanism components, then the cables can be connected to mechanical parts, but the working process becomes longer and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable attachmentVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Cables are pre-positioned and pre-routed through the retention component in the correct configuration before assembly, eliminating the need to manually route and attach each cable through the limited space during the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated retention component serves as an intermediary that simplifies cable access and positioning, providing a centralized location from which cables can be easily routed to their destinations without navigating through confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If numerous brackets and binder members are used to retain mechanical control cables, then the cables are securely attached, but the number of components and manufacturing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable attachmentVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate retention components (brackets and binder members) are merged into a single integrated cable retention component that performs the function of multiple parts, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated retention component is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - retaining multiple cables, providing structural support, and facilitating cable routing - replacing the need for multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If mechanical control cables are individually routed and attached, then each cable is secured in its predetermined shape, but the assembly process shows greater variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable positioningVSAvoidassembly consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Cables are pre-positioned and pre-shaped in their correct configuration during manufacturing of the retention component, ensuring consistent positioning and eliminating variability introduced during manual assembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11618392B2Seat module for cable arrangement

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 HI LEX CONTROLS INC

AI summary

A seat module adapted to be attached to a seat having component for seat actuation in a motor vehicle includes at least one operating cable, and a module plate formed with a mounting feature for attaching to the seat and a retention feature for retaining at least one operating cable. Further, the operating cable is retained in the module plate in a pre-assembled state where the operating cable is retained by the module plate in a stowed condition, and the operating cable is released from the stowed condition and connected to the components of the seat in an assembled state where the module plate retaining the operating cable is attached to the seat.