Seatback Blower Protection Structure for Gap-Free Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs face issues where the blower, when subjected to direct weight from an occupant kneeling on a reclined seatback, can break at the mounting points, leading to reduced airflow and increased noise due to secondary air intake from the gap between the blower and mounting bracket.
Innovation Solution
A blower protection structure featuring lumbar wires, a mounting bracket, and an urging portion, such as a rubber band and resin plate, that urges the blower toward the mounting bracket, preventing gaps and maintaining airflow integrity even when mounting points fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the blower is mounted directly to the mounting bracket without additional protection, then the mounting structure is simple, but the blower can break at the mounting points when subjected to direct weight from an occupant kneeling on a reclined seatback
Solution Approach 1:
The urging portion (elastic member) is installed in advance between the blower and mounting bracket to provide cushioning protection. This elastic member can elastically deform to absorb impact forces when an occupant kneels on the seatback, preventing the blower from breaking at the mounting points while maintaining a relatively simple overall mounting structure.
2Reliability
If the blower is securely fixed to the mounting bracket, then the mounting reliability is high, but the blower can break the mounting points under extreme load and cause secondary air intake
Solution Approach 1:
The urging portion provides pre-installed cushioning that allows controlled movement between the blower and mounting bracket under extreme load. This prevents catastrophic failure and the resulting secondary air intake while maintaining secure mounting during normal operation. The elastic member absorbs excess force, preventing the blower from breaking away and creating gaps that would allow secondary air intake.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blower is allowed to move freely relative to the mounting bracket, then the structure is flexible, but gaps form between the blower and mounting bracket causing secondary air intake
Solution Approach 1:
The urging portion acts as an intermediary element between the blower and mounting bracket. It maintains appropriate contact and positioning between these components, preventing gaps that would cause secondary air intake while still allowing controlled movement and flexibility. The elastic member mediates the interaction, providing both constraint and adaptability.
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
Ensures airflow continuity and reduces noise by preventing secondary air intake from gaps, while allowing some structural failure to enhance occupant safety without compromising anti-whiplash protection.
Implementation Method 1
an urging portion (60) that urges the blower (46) toward the mounting bracket (40) side
Implementation Method 2
the urging portion has an elongated extending/contracting portion that is configured to extend and contract
Data Source
AI summary
A blower protection structure of a seatback has a pair of left and right lumbar wires spanning between an upper portion and a lower portion of a seatback frame of a vehicle seat, a mounting bracket mounted directly or indirectly to the left and right lumbar wires, a blower disposed at a seatback rear side with respect to the mounting bracket, and an urging portion urging the blower toward the mounting bracket side.