Segmented Cover System for Vehicle Backrest Frame Access

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cover systems for motor vehicle seat backrest frames are inefficient in material usage and difficult to maintain, as they require complete removal for frame access and use excessive material to encase the entire frame.

Innovation Solution

A cover system comprising a first and second closed tubular section, an intermediate cover section, and a central panel, with a reversible closure mechanism, allowing the frame to be wrapped and unwrapped without removing the cover completely, and featuring a central panel that extends between lateral posts to create an open cavity for improved comfort and access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cover system completely encases the entire frame, then the frame is fully protected, but excessive material is used and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe protectionVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system is divided into three separate sections: a first tubular section covering the first lateral post, a second tubular section covering the second lateral post, and a central panel covering the upper transverse part. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance by allowing individual sections to be accessed or replaced without removing the entire cover system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the cover system completely encases the entire frame, then the frame is fully protected, but the cover must be completely removed for frame access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe protectionVSAvoidmaintenance access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system is divided into three separate sections: a first tubular section covering the first lateral post, a second tubular section covering the second lateral post, and a central panel covering the upper transverse part. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance by allowing individual sections to be accessed or replaced without removing the entire cover system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the lateral posts are completely enclosed, then structural integrity is maintained, but knee space and additional volume are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidknee space

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely enclosing the lateral posts, the cover system applies partial coverage using open tubular sections that wrap around only the necessary portions of the lateral posts. This partial action maintains the required structural integrity and protection while leaving sufficient space for knee room and passenger comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240359607A1Cover system for wrapping a backrest frame

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 FAURECIA SIEGES D AUTOMOBILE SA

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a cover system configured to wrap a backrest frame, and comprising a cover comprising:a first and a second closed tubular sections, arranged on a lower part of the cover, configured to be separated from each other in the transverse direction,an intermediate section of cover, arranged on an upper part of the cover connecting the closed tubular sections, comprising an internal space configured to house an upper transverse part of the frame, communicating, on either side of the lateral recess, respectively with a first internal space and with a second internal space configured respectively to house lateral posts,a central panel laterally attached to the closed tubular sections and to the intermediate section of the cover.