Vehicle Seat Side Cover Gap Sealing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foreign matters can enter the gap between a vehicle seat cushion and its decorative body, potentially biting into the side frame, which is a common issue in vehicle seats with cup holders integrated into the seat cushion.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a side cover that is branched into a drawn-in portion extending downward beyond the gap between the seat cushion and the decorative body, and a cover portion that connects to the drawn-in portion to cover the side frame from the upper side, preventing foreign matters from reaching the side frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the side frame is provided to protrude into the gap between the seat cushion and the decorative body, then the structural support is improved, but foreign matters can bite into the side frame
Solution Approach 1:
A side cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the decorative body and the side frame. The side cover includes a drawn-in portion that extends into the gap to block foreign matters, while the cover portion protects the side frame from above, preventing debris from reaching and damaging the structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The side cover is implemented as a flexible covering component that can be drawn into the gap between the seat cushion and decorative body. This thin film-like structure effectively seals the gap to prevent foreign matter entry while maintaining the structural integrity of the side frame.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the side cover is drawn downward beyond the gap, then foreign matter prevention is improved, but the side cover complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side cover is segmented into two functional portions: a drawn-in portion that extends downward into the gap to block foreign matters, and a cover portion that overlays the side frame from above. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks foreign matters from entering the gap, protects the side frame from debris, and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the seat assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat including: a decorative body provided alongside a seat cushion in a seat width direction; a side frame serving as a side framework of one side portion of the seat cushion which is closer to the decorative body than another side portion of the seat cushion; and a side cover covering a peripheral side surface of the seat cushion facing the decorative body, wherein the side frame is disposed at an offset position which is away from the one side portion of the seat cushion to a side where the decorative body is provided in the seat width direction, and wherein the side cover is branched into a drawn-in portion which is drawn downward beyond a gap between the seat cushion and the decorative body, and a cover portion which is connected to the drawn-in portion and covers the side frame from an upper side.