Seatback Armrest Cavity Closure With Hidden Rear Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seatbacks require complex constructions and visible attachments to secure armrests, which can compromise aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A trim cover/foam assembly with a rear panel and attachment member that sandwiches the rear panel between the armrest and attachment member, allowing the armrest to be securely installed without visible fixtures on the seatback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional separate armrest mounting is used, then armrest installation is achieved, but visible attachments and complex construction are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the armrest assembly with the trim cover/foam assembly into a single integrated unit. The armrest is mounted directly to the foam cushion, and the trim cover is then disposed over both components, merging what were previously separate installations into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting operations and hidden attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the trim cover assembly is disposed over the foam cushion and armrest assembly. The trim cover encompasses both the foam cushion and the armrest, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are contained within or covered by larger ones. This nesting approach hides all attachment points and mounting features within the layered structure.
2Shape
If conventional separate armrest mounting is used, then armrest installation is achieved, but visible attachments compromise aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The trim cover assembly is disposed over the foam cushion and armrest in a nested configuration, where the trim cover encompasses and conceals all underlying components. This nesting arrangement ensures that no attachment points, mounting features, or construction details are visible from the exterior, maintaining clean aesthetic lines while accommodating the necessary structural elements underneath.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different regions of the assembly. The outer trim cover region provides aesthetic appearance and concealment, while the inner foam cushion and armrest regions provide structural support and mounting functionality. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its primary function without compromising the other.
3Area of stationary object
If trim cover is disposed over foam cushion with separate armrest, then coverage is achieved, but visible mounting features remain
Solution Approach 1:
The trim cover assembly is disposed over the foam cushion and armrest assembly in a nested configuration, completely encompassing the underlying components. This nested arrangement ensures that the trim cover provides full coverage while simultaneously concealing all mounting features, attachment points, and construction details within its layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coverage function and the concealment function into a single trim cover assembly. By disposing the trim cover over both the foam cushion and armrest as an integrated unit, the design achieves comprehensive coverage while hiding all mounting features, eliminating the need for separate coverage and concealment elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A seatback includes a trim cover/foam assembly including a foam cushion with a trim cover assembly disposed thereon. The trim cover/foam assembly has an occupant support side and a rear side opposite to the occupant support side, and defines an opening therethrough. The trim cover assembly includes a rear panel on the rear side for closing the opening. The seatback also includes an attachment member on the rear side of the trim cover/foam assembly configured to engage the rear panel and an armrest assembly including an armrest pivotally disposed on a frame at a rear portion of the armrest, with the armrest configured to pass through the opening. Upon installation of the armrest assembly, the rear panel is secured to the attachment member and sandwiched between the rear portion and the attachment member.