Vehicle Seat Trim Assembly for Gap Coverage Across Backrest Positions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle seat assemblies face a gap between the backrest and seat cushion during adjustable positions, which is not effectively covered by conventional designs, leading to clearance issues and potential cargo exposure.

Innovation Solution

A trim assembly with pivotally connected panels, including a first trim panel attached to the backrest's rear surface, a second panel covering the gap in forward positions, and a third panel that contacts and slides on the floor in rearward positions, utilizing nonwoven materials and elastic biasing members to maintain coverage across various backrest adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional fixed trim panel is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot cover the gap in all backrest positions (upright, forward, and rearward positions)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap coverage in all backrest positionsVSAvoidtrim assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trim assembly is divided into multiple independent trim panels (first trim panel, second trim panel, third trim panel) that can move relative to each other. Each panel is responsible for covering the gap in specific backrest positions, allowing the system to adapt to multiple positions without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trim panels are connected through pivotal connections and biasing members that allow them to dynamically adjust their positions. The first trim panel pivots with the backrest, the second trim panel pivots to cover the gap in forward position, and the third trim panel slides on the floor in rearward position, creating a dynamic system that automatically adapts to different backrest configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple trim panels are used to cover the gap in all positions, then gap coverage is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap coverage in all backrest positionsVSAvoidtrim assembly manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The trim assembly is divided into multiple independent trim panels (first trim panel, second trim panel, third trim panel) that can move relative to each other. Each panel is responsible for covering the gap in specific backrest positions, allowing the system to adapt to multiple positions without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All trim panels are covered with carpet material and have similar structural characteristics, making them relatively easy to manufacture using standardized processes. The panels are interconnected using similar biasing members and connection mechanisms, which simplifies the manufacturing process compared to designing entirely different components for each position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Adaptability or versatility

If the trim panel is fixed to the backrest, then the structure is simple, but it cannot follow the backrest movement in forward and rearward positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking backrest movementVSAvoidpanel connection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trim panels are connected through pivotal connections and biasing members that allow them to dynamically adjust their positions. The first trim panel pivots with the backrest, the second trim panel pivots to cover the gap in forward position, and the third trim panel slides on the floor in rearward position, creating a dynamic system that automatically adapts to different backrest configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple trim panels are combined into a single integrated assembly that works together to cover the gap in all positions. The panels are interconnected through biasing members and pivotal connections, merging their individual movements into a coordinated system that collectively tracks the backrest movement without requiring each panel to be independently controlled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The trim assembly effectively covers the gap between the backrest and seat cushion in all adjustable positions, providing a seamless and durable solution that protects against cargo exposure and wear, while allowing for versatile use as a load floor.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member attached to the first trim panel to bias the first panel against the rear surface of the backrest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11752956B2Trim assembly for a vehicle seat assembly

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A trim assembly for a vehicle seat is provided with a first trim panel adapted to be pivotally connected to a lower region of a rear surface of a backrest that is pivotally adjustable relative to a seat cushion, to cover a gap between the backrest and the seat cushion in an upright position of the backrest. A second trim panel is connected to the first trim panel to cover the gap in a forward position of the backrest relative to the seat cushion.