Vehicle Seatback Storage with Load-Transferring Retainer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seatback storage areas lack efficient and accessible solutions for securely storing passenger items, often resulting in cluttered and unsightly arrangements that do not effectively utilize available space.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a seatback featuring a storage member, retainer, and stiffener system that transfers loads from passenger items to the seatback frame, utilizing a pocket assembly with straps and a zipper to create a secure and accessible storage area, including an external storage area with hangers and an internal selectively closable receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage areas are added to seatbacks, then passenger item storage capability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple independent components: an external storage area with hangers for visible items, an internal storage area for concealed items, and a retainer mechanism for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested storage by placing an internal storage area within the seatback structure that contains an external storage area, which in turn contains hangers and retention members. This nested configuration maximizes storage capacity within the available seatback space without significantly increasing external dimensions or structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage components are integrated, then storage versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism serves multiple functions: it structurally supports the storage members, provides attachment points for the external and internal storage areas, and enables load transfer to the seatback frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining storage versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the external storage area, internal storage area, hangers, and retainer mechanism into an integrated assembly that functions as a unified storage system. This merging of components streamlines the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate assembly steps while providing versatile storage options for different passenger items.
3Reliability
If load transfer mechanism is added, then storage reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the storage members and the seatback frame. It transfers loads from the external and internal storage areas to the frame, providing reliable structural support while maintaining a simple design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback having a frame. A storage member is disposed on an outer surface of the seatback. A retainer is attached to the frame and the storage member. The retainer transfers a load exerted on the storage member to the frame.