Vehicle Seatback Panel for Cargo Gap Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive vehicle seating assemblies that fold forward to optimize cargo space often leave gaps where cargo can fall and potentially damage the seating, leading to inefficiencies in cargo management and protection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a pivotally coupled panel that extends between a first position forward of the seatback and a second position rearward, featuring a detent mechanism and retention members to securely position the panel, allowing it to cover gaps and protect the seating from cargo damage, while also serving as a tray-table for occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the seatback is folded forward to optimize cargo space, then cargo space is improved, but gaps are created where cargo may topple and damage the seating assembly
Solution Approach 1:
A panel is introduced as an intermediary component between the folded seatback and the cargo. The panel pivots to extend forward from the seatback to cover gaps and prevent cargo from toppling, thereby protecting the seating assembly while maintaining the folded position for cargo space optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is designed with pivotal movement capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The panel can pivot between a retracted position (when not needed) and an extended position (when cargo protection is needed), enabling the system to adapt to different cargo conditions while maintaining a compact form when the panel is not in use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a panel is added to cover gaps and protect seating, then cargo protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel mechanism is merged with the existing seatback structure through pivotal coupling. This integration allows the panel to be part of the seating assembly without requiring completely separate mounting structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while still providing the necessary cargo protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel serves multiple functions: it covers gaps to prevent cargo from toppling, protects the seating assembly from damage, and can potentially serve as a tray table or cargo support surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. A seatback is pivotally coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a rear-side. A panel is pivotally coupled to the rear-side of the seatback. The panel is pivotable to extend between a first position that is forward of the seatback and a second position that is rearward of the seatback when the seatback is in a forwardly-folded position.