Multi-layer textile seat with tensioned interconnecting tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seats exhibit trampoline-like behavior during dynamic loads, such as when driving on rough roads, leading to inadequate dynamic performance and discomfort for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer textile seat with tensioned, interconnected layers and compliant materials like foam, integrated into a suspension system using 3D knitting, which provides enhanced vibration damping and control over dynamic loads through a multi-textile suspension structure with textile interconnecting tubes or tension elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional single-layer seat structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but dynamic performance is inadequate and trampoline-like behavior occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The seat structure is divided into multiple textile layers (first textile layer, second textile layer, third textile layer) with different orientations and functions. Each layer contributes to damping dynamic loads from different directions, eliminating the trampoline effect while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple textile materials with different mechanical properties (knitted textile for flexibility, woven textile for structural support) and integrates them with foam compliant material. This composite approach enhances dynamic performance by leveraging the complementary characteristics of each material
2Object-affected harmful factors
If textile layers are tensioned to dampen dynamic loads, then vibration damping improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different tension forces are applied to different textile layers based on their specific functions. The first textile layer receives tension in the longitudinal direction to dampen front-to-back vibrations, while the second layer receives tension in the lateral direction for side-to-side damping. This localized tension application optimizes vibration damping while simplifying manufacturing by allowing independent tensioning of each layer
Solution Approach 2:
The textile layers are designed with dynamic tensioning capabilities that allow the structure to adapt to different loading conditions. The interconnected tubes and compliant foam elements enable the tension distribution to automatically adjust during vehicle operation, maintaining optimal damping performance without requiring precise pre-tensioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If interconnected multi-layer textile structure is implemented, then dynamic load management improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Interconnected tubes serve as intermediary elements that couple the first textile layer, second textile layer, and third textile layer. These tubes transmit forces between layers and distribute dynamic loads uniformly across the seat structure, enabling effective load management while simplifying the overall assembly process through a standardized connection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnected textile structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, dampens vibrations from multiple directions, and distributes dynamic loads. The same textile layers and interconnection elements that provide mechanical support also serve as the primary damping mechanism, eliminating the need for separate damping components
4Object-affected harmful factors
If compliant material is added to the seat structure, then vibration damping enhances, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Foam compliant material with a porous structure is integrated into the seat assembly. This porous foam provides effective vibration damping through its cellular structure that absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy, while its low density minimizes the weight increase compared to solid damping materials
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively dampens dynamic loads, improving ride comfort and limiting passenger movement, by modulating tension forces and using compliant materials to absorb and dissipate energy, thereby enhancing the seat's dynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
The textile interconnecting tube is attached in tension between the first textile layer and the second textile layer to dampen dynamic loads applied to the seatback
Implementation Method 2
The first compliant material may be disposed in the first cavity to dampen the dynamic loads applied to the seatback
Implementation Method 3
The first textile layer is attached in tension between the first side rail and the second side rail to dampen the dynamic loads applied to the seatback
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seatback coupled to the seat base. The seatback includes a rigid frame, a first textile layer attached to the rigid frame, a second textile layer attached to the rigid frame, and at least one textile interconnecting tube coupling the first textile layer to the second textile layer. The textile interconnecting tube is attached in tension between the first textile layer and the second textile layer to dampen dynamic loads applied to the seatback. Instead of (or in addition to) the textile interconnecting tube, the seatback may include a plurality of tension elements interconnecting the first textile layer and the second textile layer.