Anisotropic Seat Side Support Insert for Access and Lateral Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat lateral portions tend to sag, compromising support during driving, especially in bends, while existing rigid inserts hinder seat access after occupancy.
Innovation Solution
An anisotropic elastic insert with greater stiffness in the transverse direction for lateral support and lower stiffness perpendicular to the support surface for easy access, utilizing materials like air cell structures with hexagonal configurations and shape memory or thixotropic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid insert is provided in the lateral portions, then lateral support is improved, but seat access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with anisotropic elastic properties that provide different stiffness values in different directions: high stiffness in the transverse direction (y-axis) for lateral support during driving, and low stiffness in the vertical direction (z-axis) for ease of access during entry/exit phases. This directional differentiation allows the same structure to satisfy opposing requirements under different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert material exhibits dynamic response characteristics where its effective stiffness varies based on the direction and nature of applied forces. During driving phases, transverse forces engage the high-stiffness property for support, while during entry/exit, vertical compressive forces engage the low-stiffness property for accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If padding is used in lateral portions, then ease of access is improved, but lateral support deteriorates due to sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the elastic parameter (stiffness) of the lateral portion insert from an isotropic value to an anisotropic value with direction-dependent stiffness. The insert has a first stiffness value in the transverse direction and a second stiffness value in the vertical direction, allowing optimization for both support and access functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral portion comprises a composite structure combining filling material and an insert with anisotropic elastic properties. This composite construction integrates the comfort and accessibility benefits of flexible padding with the directional support capabilities of the engineered insert structure.
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
Provides optimal lateral support during driving phases while allowing easy access to the seat by distinguishing between different stress directions, maintaining rigidity during transverse forces and compressibility during orthogonal forces.
Implementation Method 1
the said insert has a directional elasticity which results in a stiffness in a first direction along the transverse axis with a first value and a stiffness in a second direction perpendicular to the support surface having a second value less than the said first value
Implementation Method 2
air cell structures with hexagonal configurations
Implementation Method 3
shape memory or thixotropic properties
Implementation Method 4
shape memory or thixotropic properties
Data Source
AI summary
A seating element for an automobile vehicle with a cushion formed from a central portion (10) with an exterior face for supporting a user seated on the seat and at least a lateral portion (20) on the door side, the lateral portion (20) being provided with at least one insert (30) lodged in the cushion, and in which the said insert (30) has a directional elasticity resulting in a stiffness in a first direction along the transversal axis with a first value and a stiffness in a second direction perpendicular to the said exterior face for support with a second value inferior to the said first value.