Vehicle Seat Pocket Assembly Using Integrated Shell Grooves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for integrating map pockets into vehicle seats require additional frames or elements for attachment, which are aesthetically undesirable and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A trim element for a vehicle element comprising a shell with a groove to house the lateral and lower edges of a pocket panel, where the panel includes a stiffening element, allowing the pocket to be securely attached without additional frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional frames or elements are used for attaching the pocket to the shell, then the structural integrity and attachment reliability are improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment function directly into the shell structure by integrating grooves into the shell itself. This merging of the attachment mechanism with the existing shell eliminates the need for separate frames or additional elements, thereby maintaining attachment reliability while reducing device complexity and production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the attachment function from separate components and integrates it directly into the shell through molded grooves. By taking out the need for additional attachment elements and embedding the attachment mechanism within the shell structure, the solution achieves reliable attachment without increasing overall device complexity.
2Strength
If additional frames or elements are used for attaching the pocket to the shell, then the structural integrity is improved, but the aesthetic integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is merged with the shell structure through integrated grooves, eliminating visible separate components. This merging ensures that the attachment system maintains structural integrity while preserving the aesthetic appearance by avoiding additional frames or elements that would disrupt the visual continuity of the seat surface.
3Reliability
If additional frames or elements are used for attaching the pocket to the shell, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment grooves are merged into the shell structure and formed during the shell molding process. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for additional attachment elements, thereby maintaining reliable attachment while reducing production cost and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment grooves are prepared in advance during the shell molding process itself, before the pocket assembly takes place. This preliminary action of forming the grooves as part of the shell manufacturing eliminates the need for subsequent attachment operations, reducing production cost while ensuring reliable attachment from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim element for a vehicle element, where the trim element comprises a shell with an inner surface intended to be oriented towards the interior of the vehicle element and an outer surface intended to form a rear surface of the vehicle element, and a pocket fixed to the outer surface of the shell, where the pocket comprises a panel which has a lower and lateral edges and at least one stiffening element arranged in the lower and lateral edges. The shell further comprises at least one groove in which are housed at least one from the lateral edges and/or the lower edge of the panel for assembly of the panel with the shell.