Vehicle Seating Assembly Non-Linear Edge Pivot Panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat assemblies, particularly rear seating systems, face challenges in efficiently utilizing space when transitioning between upright, reclined, and folded positions, and in providing a secure and removable panel configuration to enhance cargo space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly design featuring a seatback frame with non-linear edges, a pivot assembly allowing movement between positions, and a panel with retention hooks and wings for secure engagement and easy access, which covers the central space to form a planar surface and can be concealed by cover stock for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the seatback frame is moved to a folded position to enlarge cargo space, then cargo space utilization is improved, but the panel coverage and planar surface formation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning from a covered state during normal use to an accessible state during folding operations. The retention hooks allow the panel to remain attached to the seatback frame while permitting controlled access and repositioning during the folding sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel assembly is segmented into the panel itself, retention hooks, and cover stock as separate but interconnected components. This segmentation allows the panel to be selectively accessed and repositioned during folding operations while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the panel is securely coupled with retention hooks to enhance stability, then panel retention is improved, but the ease of access and removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover stock serves as an intermediary element between the panel and the external environment. It provides protection during normal use while allowing controlled access to the panel through fasteners, balancing retention with accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention hook design allows the panel to be easily engaged and disengaged by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The hooks are positioned and shaped to enable simple manual operation for panel installation and removal.
3Shape
If the cover stock is used to conceal the panel for aesthetic purposes, then appearance is improved, but the accessibility to the panel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover stock acts as a removable intermediary layer that provides aesthetic coverage during normal use while allowing controlled access through integrated fasteners. This mediator enables the system to switch between aesthetic mode and access mode as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover stock system is designed to be dynamically switchable between a concealed state for aesthetics and an accessible state for panel maintenance or folding operations, adapting to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly includes a seatback frame movable between a reclined position, an upright position, and a folded position and having opposing sides defining a central space. Each opposing side includes a non-linear front edge and a non-linear rear edge. A pivot assembly includes a first plate pivotally coupled with the seatback frame. The first plate includes a forward stop. A second plate is pivotally coupled with the first plate and is fixedly coupled with a seat base frame. The second plate includes a post configured to selectively contact the forward stop. A panel is configured to be coupled with the seatback frame to cover the central space and form a planar surface along the seatback frame. The panel includes upper retention hooks and side retention hooks configured to be engaged with the seatback frame.