Vehicle Seat Side Frame Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat side frames are heavy due to extensive reinforcing members, which increases mass without significantly enhancing mechanical strength, particularly near the recliner area where bending moments are greatest.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design where the reinforcing member extends from an intermediate point along the side frame's axis to the recliner, with at least part of the reinforcing member inserted into the side frame's closed cross-section portion, reducing mass while maintaining mechanical strength by distributing forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the reinforcing member extends across the entire length of the tower frame, then the mechanical strength of the side frame is improved, but the mass of the side frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is segmented in its longitudinal extent, starting from an intermediate point on the side frame body rather than extending from the top. This segmentation allows the structure to have sufficient strength where needed (near the recliner) while eliminating unnecessary material in regions where the reinforcing member is not required for structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member is positioned to provide local reinforcement specifically in the region where bending moments are greatest (near the recliner). The intermediate point is strategically located to concentrate strengthening material where the mechanical demands are highest, rather than uniformly distributing reinforcement throughout the entire length of the side frame.
2Ease of manufacture
If the reinforcing member is disposed outside the side frame body, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but stress concentration occurs in the abutting area
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is nested within the side frame body, with at least a portion of it inserted into the closed cross-section portion. This nesting arrangement eliminates the stress concentration problem associated with external abutting while maintaining structural integrity. The reinforcing member becomes integrated with the side frame body, distributing stresses more evenly throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member and side frame body are merged into a integrated structure where the reinforcing member is inserted into and combined with the closed cross-section portion. This merging eliminates the interface between separate components that would cause stress concentration, creating a unified structural element that behaves as a single integrated unit under load.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat that can reduce the mass of a side frame without significantly reducing the mechanical strength of the side frame is provided. The vehicle seat comprises a back frame that comprises a side frame that extends substantially vertically, and a recliner that is coupled to a lower end of the side frame and configured so that the back frame is pivotable. The side frame comprises a side frame body that comprises a closed cross-section portion and extends from an upper end of the side frame to the recliner, and a reinforcing member that extends to the recliner from a point between a first and a second end of the side frame body along an extension axis of the side frame body and is fixed to the side frame body with at least a part of the reinforcing member being inserted into the closed cross-section portion.