Motor Vehicle Seat Tray Sealing Ring Foam Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing production methods for motor vehicle seat components, such as retractable armrests, face the challenge of foam leakage between the tray and the orifice, resulting in an aesthetically unacceptable foam presence on the periphery of the orifice.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sealing ring fixed to the frame, with a bearing edge that rests against the edge of the cap's orifice, and a tray with a projecting rim to clamp the foam in place, preventing its passage between the tray and the orifice, along with interlocking means on the frame and/or crown for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tray with an opening is overmolded by foam block to create cup holders, then the component provides functional object reception capability, but foam leaks between the tray and orifice creating aesthetic defects
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the tray and the cap to prevent foam leakage. The sealing ring receives the tray and provides a bearing edge that clamps the cap edge, creating a barrier that stops foam from passing between the tray opening and the orifice while allowing both components to maintain their functional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring functions as a flexible barrier element that can deform to accommodate the tray and cap components while maintaining the seal. This flexible structure allows the sealing ring to effectively block foam passage without requiring rigid precision fitting between the tray and cap.
2Manufacturing precision
If a sealing ring is added to prevent foam leakage, then foam leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is integrated into the existing component assembly by receiving the tray and working in conjunction with the cap and frame. Rather than being a completely separate system, the sealing ring merges with the existing structures to provide the sealing function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a component (1) comprising: a frame (2); a block (3) of foam overmolding said frame; a cap (4) of covering said block; a tray (5) having an opening (6) the periphery (7) of which is arranged in correspondence with an orifice (8) provided in said cap, said tray having a rim (9) defining a bearing surface (10) receiving an edge (11) of said cap extending around the periphery of said orifice, said component further comprising a sealing ring (12) for the foam overmolded by said block, said ring being fixed to said frame, said tray being inserted into said ring, said ring having a bearing edge (13) bearing against said edge so as to pinch it between said bearing surface and said edge, said tray being provided with first means for interlocking (14) on said frame and/or on said ring.