Seatback Storage Doors With Flexible Sidewall Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seating assemblies lack effective integration of storage solutions that utilize unused space efficiently, particularly in the rear and side areas of vehicle seats, limiting cargo capacity and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a rear panel with a recess forming a rear pocket and a side pocket on the vehicle seatback, both equipped with rigid polymeric doors that are flush with the panel surface when closed, and flexible sidewalls that can flex outward to accommodate stored items, providing seamless integration with the seatback and enhanced storage access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid polymeric doors are used for rear and side pockets, then structural robustness and flush appearance are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple pockets (rear pocket and side pockets) with separate rigid polymeric doors for each, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly of each door unit while maintaining overall structural robustness and flush appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid polymeric doors are integrated within the seatback structure with recesses formed in the rear and side panels, creating a nested configuration where the doors are housed within the seatback body, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible sidewalls are used in pockets, then adaptability to stored items is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket structure uses a hybrid construction where rigid polymeric doors provide structural strength and support at the opening and frame areas, while flexible sidewalls made of fabric provide adaptability and accommodation for various stored items, with each material placed where its properties are most beneficial
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket assembly combines rigid polymeric materials for the door and frame structures with flexible fabric materials for the sidewalls, creating a composite structure that integrates the strength benefits of rigid materials with the adaptability benefits of flexible materials
3Quantity of substance
If pockets are integrated into the seatback, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage pockets are merged with the seatback structure by forming recesses directly in the rear and side panels of the seatback, integrating the storage function into the existing seating assembly without requiring separate external storage components
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback structure serves multiple functions: providing seating support and simultaneously housing integrated storage pockets with access doors, allowing the same structural elements to fulfill both structural support and storage containment roles
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a rear panel having an outer surface. A rear pocket is defined by a recess in the rear panel. A rigid polymeric rear door is disposed over the rear pocket and is operable between an open position and a closed position. An outer surface of the rear door is flush with the outer surface of the rear panel when in the closed position. A side pocket is defined by a recess on an inboard side of a vehicle seatback. A rigid polymeric side pocket door is operable between an open position and a closed position. An outer surface of the side pocket door is flush with the outer surface of the rear panel when in the closed position. Flexible sidewalls are disposed between a body and the side pocket door. The flexible sidewalls are constructed from a flexible fabric.