Integrated Seat Switch Structure for Gap-Free Heater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat heater systems in motor vehicles, particularly in motorcycles, often lack an easily accessible operator control element for pillion passengers, requiring them to distract the rider to operate the heater. Additionally, conventional seat heater operator control elements create gaps that can lead to water ingress, aesthetic issues, and increased complexity in design and production.
Innovation Solution
A seat body design that integrates a switch device directly into the seat system, using a support element with a connecting body receptacle that houses the switch device's connecting body. This design eliminates gaps between the operator control element and the seat cover, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing integration while reducing the number of components and production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional operator control element is used with a separate panel, then the control function is provided, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and water ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operator control element directly into the seat body structure, eliminating the separate panel. The control element is integrated into the seating surface such that it forms a unified, seamless structure that maintains aesthetic appearance while providing full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator control element is nested within the seat body structure, with the control mechanism housed inside the seating surface. This allows the control element to be concealed within the seat's aesthetic form while remaining fully accessible and functional.
2Ease of operation
If a separate panel is used to house the operator control element, then the control function is provided, but the number of parts increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the seat body structure itself. The seat body serves both as the seating surface and as the housing for the operator control element, eliminating the need for separate panels and reducing the total number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat body is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the seating surface and simultaneously houses the operator control element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If a separate panel is used for the operator control element, then the control function is provided, but water ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control element directly into the seat body, the patent eliminates gaps and joints between separate components. The integrated structure provides continuous material coverage that prevents water ingress while maintaining full control functionality.
4Reliability
If additional panels are used to cover gaps, then the gap is closed, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for additional panels by merging the control element directly into the seat body. This creates a seamless, gap-free structure that is both reliable for preventing water ingress and aesthetically pleasing.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat body for a seat of a motor vehicle includes a support element having a securing surface and a seat cover surface opposite the securing surface, as well as a connecting body receptacle into which a connecting body of a switch device can be inserted, which is held on the support element in the inserted state in such a way that an actuation element secured to the connecting body ends at the seat cover surface. The seat cover surface of the support element is covered by a seat cover, whereby the connecting body receptacle is covered by the seat cover, such that, if the connecting body is inserted into the connecting body receptacle as intended, the actuation element is covered by the seat cover.