Vehicle Seat Trim Module Sealing for Ventilated Cushion Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seating assemblies face challenges in incorporating ventilation systems due to the difficulty in removing cover stock materials without damage, and existing designs often compromise on ergonomic support, temperature control, and weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a frame structure and panel featuring a connection element and trim module attachment feature that forms a seal around a predefined area, allowing for ventilation apertures and improved air circulation while enabling easy attachment and detachment of the trim module without damaging the cover stock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cover stock material is stitched into a shell and attached with fasteners, then the cover is securely attached to the foam cushion, but it becomes difficult to remove the cushion or cover without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the seating assembly into separable modules: a foam cushion, a cover stock material, and a trim module. The trim module acts as an intermediary component that attaches to the foam cushion while the cover stock attaches to the trim module, allowing the cover to be removed without detaching from the foam cushion directly, thus enabling easy removal without damage
Solution Approach 2:
The trim module serves as an intermediary component between the foam cushion and the cover stock material. It provides attachment features that secure the cover stock while allowing the cover to be removed from the trim module without damaging either the cover or the foam cushion, resolving the contradiction between strong attachment and easy removal
2Strength
If thick and dense foam is used with cover stock material, then ergonomic support and comfort are improved, but weight of the seating assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the seating assembly into modular components including the foam cushion, trim module, and cover stock. This segmentation allows for optimization of each component's weight and support properties independently, enabling the use of thick and dense foam for ergonomic support while managing overall weight through efficient material selection and design in each module
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for parameter changes in the foam density, thickness, and material composition while maintaining the modular structure. This enables optimization of the foam's ergonomic support properties without necessarily increasing overall weight, as the trim module and cover stock can be designed with appropriate weight considerations
3Stability of the object's composition
If cover stock material is stitched and attached permanently, then structural integrity is maintained, but incorporation with ventilation systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the seating assembly into modular components with the trim module serving as an interface layer. This segmentation creates accessible spaces and pathways that can accommodate ventilation systems without compromising the structural integrity of the cover stock and foam cushion assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The trim module acts as an intermediary component that provides structural support while creating accessible pathways for ventilation systems. It allows ventilation channels to be integrated into the seating assembly without requiring permanent attachment of the cover stock, thus maintaining both structural integrity and ventilation capability
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly that includes a frame structure and a panel coupled with the frame structure that has an occupant support surface. A connection element protrudes from the occupant support surface and borders a predefined area of the occupant support surface. A trim module covers the predefined area and includes an attachment feature extending inward and engaging the connection element to form a seal around the predefined area. A ventilation aperture extends through the panel within the predefined area and an air movement device is coupled with the panel to draw air through the ventilation aperture from an exterior surface of the trim module.