Two Piece Step Garnish for Vehicle Seat Rail System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minivans, the second row seats are often difficult to reconfigure due to their weight and the need to move or remove strikers, caps, and carpeting, which complicates the process of creating multiple seat configurations and accessing the third row of seats.
Innovation Solution
A rail and carrier seat system with a step garnish design that includes an inner and outer step garnish portion, where the inner step garnish is installed from the side below the handle and the outer step garnish is installed from above, allowing for easier installation and providing a clearances shape to accommodate the handle, creating a seamless finished surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single piece step garnish is used, then the appearance is cohesive and simple, but the installation is difficult due to handle interference and requires removing caps or carpeting
Solution Approach 1:
The step garnish is divided into two separate pieces: an inner step garnish portion and an outer step garnish portion. The inner portion is installed first from below the handle, and the outer portion is installed second from above the handle. This segmentation allows installation without removing caps or carpeting, resolving the contradiction between installation ease and structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If caps or carpeting are removed to install the step garnish, then installation is possible, but the process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The inner step garnish portion is designed to be installed first from below the handle, preparing the base layer before the outer portion is installed. This preliminary action allows the outer portion to be installed from above without requiring removal of caps or carpeting, thereby reducing installation time and effort.
3Ease of operation
If the step garnish is installed from above the handle, then installation is straightforward, but the handle creates interference and prevents proper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The garnish is segmented into inner and outer portions that are installed from different directions. The inner portion is installed from below the handle where there is space, while the outer portion is installed from above the handle. This segmentation eliminates handle interference by distributing installation paths across different spatial zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner step garnish portion is nested below the handle, and the outer step garnish portion is nested above the handle, with both portions working together to form the complete garnish. This nesting arrangement allows both portions to coexist without interference from the handle.
Data Source
AI summary
A step garnish for a rail and carrier seat system for motor vehicle is disclosed. The rail and carrier seat system includes two rails fixedly attached to and positioned laterally along a floor of the motor vehicle, a carrier laterally slidable within the rails, a handle attached to a laterally exterior side of the carrier, and a seat attached to the carrier. The step garnish includes an inner step garnish portion, the inner step garnish portion being installed below the handle on the carrier, the inner step garnish having an exposed portion; and an outer step garnish portion, the outer step garnish portion including a cut out clearance shape for being installed from above the handle, the cut out clearance shape having a shape substantially similar to the exposed portion of the inner step garnish.