Seating Bracket Shielding Cross Member Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle seating assemblies face interference issues between components during movement, particularly between the seatback cushion and the cross member, which hinders smooth pivoting between upright and reclined positions, and may compromise the safety alignment of the H-point during collisions.

Innovation Solution

A bracket is designed with an elongated channel and shielding portions to protect the cross member from interference with the seatback cushion, allowing smooth movement and maintaining the H-point alignment, featuring a U-shaped cross-section and flanges for secure mounting, and incorporating locking mechanisms for adjustable positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cross member is exposed without shielding, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the seatback cushion interferes with the cross member during pivoting movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth pivoting movementVSAvoidbracket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket acts as an intermediary component between the seatback cushion and the cross member. It includes a shielding portion that extends inwardly to protect the cross member from direct contact with the cushion, and a curved portion that provides a recess for the cross member to move through smoothly during pivoting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the bracket includes shielding portions and curved recesses, then the cross member is protected from interference, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from interferenceVSAvoidbracket fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into distinct functional segments: mounting portions with flanges for attachment, extension portions that bridge the mounting areas, and shielding portions that extend inwardly. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket includes a curved portion between the shielding portions that defines a recess. This curved geometry allows the cross member to move smoothly through the bracket during pivoting operations, preventing interference while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Strength

If the cross member contacts the bracket during movement, then the bracket provides structural support, but the contact causes interference with smooth pivoting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidpivoting smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The curved portion of the bracket serves as a mediator that guides the cross member during movement. The recess created by the curved geometry allows the cross member to pass through without direct contact that would cause friction or interference, while still maintaining structural support through the bracket's overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11046213B2Seating assembly bracket

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback having a base. A reclining portion is pivotably coupled to the base at first and second attachment points and includes first and second longitudinal members. A panel is disposed between the first and second longitudinal members. A cross member extends between the first and second attachment points. A bracket is coupled to the panel and is disposed between the panel and the cross member.