Seat Trim Member Structure for Headrest Alignment and Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seat assembly designs are complex, difficult to assemble, and prone to deformation due to lack of rigidity, leading to gaps and reduced functionality and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat assembly with a trim member featuring an elongated base portion and receiver portions that allow oblique or perpendicular insertion of the headrest, providing flexibility and support to prevent deformation and maintain the assembly's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If foam material is used for seat components, then comfort and cushioning are improved, but rigidity and structural stability deteriorate leading to deformation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines foam material with rigid support structures and trim members to create a composite assembly. The foam provides comfort and cushioning while the rigid support structures and trim members maintain structural stability and prevent deformation, resolving the contradiction between softness and rigidity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate portions are used in seat assembly, then functionality and comfort are improved, but assembly complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional portions into a unified trim member assembly that includes support structures, trim elements, and attachment mechanisms as a single unit. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the functionality and comfort benefits of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim member assembly is pre-assembled with support structures and attachment mechanisms before installation into the seat. This preliminary assembly simplifies the final installation process and reduces on-site assembly complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional seat assembly design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but gaps and misalignment occur reducing appearance and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the trim member into segmented portions with specific geometric features that facilitate precise alignment during assembly. These segmented sections can be manufactured separately with standard tolerances but align precisely when assembled, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving alignment and eliminating gaps.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim member may include an elongated first portion and a plurality of second portions connected to the first portion. The plurality of second portions may include a body portion, a cover portion, an aperture, and an opening. The body portion may be connected to the first portion. The cover portion may be connected to and protrude outward from an end of the body portion. The aperture may extend at least partially through the body portion and the cover portion in a first direction. The aperture may be configured to receive at least a portion of a headrest in a direction that is oblique or perpendicular to the first direction via said portion of said headrest passing through the opening.