Vehicle Gap Guard for Seat Console Interstices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle seating configurations often result in gaps between seat bolsters and compartments, leading to the loss of loose articles, which can be hazardous for occupants to retrieve while driving.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid, contoured vehicle space guard made from materials like foam, plastic, wood, or metal, designed to fit between the seat and the center console, with attachment means such as hooks or adhesives, to prevent articles from falling into these gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bucket style seat is used to provide individual seating, then seating comfort and support are improved, but gaps are created between the seat and adjacent compartments leading to loss of loose articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gap guard as an intermediary component that fills the space between the bucket seat and adjacent compartments (center console, door panels). This mediator prevents loose articles from falling into the gap while maintaining the benefits of bucket seat configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between seating comfort and article loss prevention
2Loss of substance
If a gap guard is added to prevent article loss, then article retention is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gap guard is designed as a segmented, modular component that can be easily installed in sections between the seat and various compartments. This segmentation allows for simple installation without complex assembly procedures, resolving the contradiction between article retention and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gap guard is designed as an inexpensive, simple component that can be easily manufactured and installed without requiring complex materials or sophisticated installation procedures. This approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while effectively preventing article loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat back is made movable between upright and reclined positions to improve comfort, then seating versatility is improved, but space for storage and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gap guard is integrated with the existing seat structure and mounting systems, merging its function with the seat's overall design. This integration allows the gap guard to work seamlessly with the movable seat back mechanism without adding significant structural complexity, thus resolving the contradiction between seating versatility and structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A convenience device for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The device may be semi-rigid device that is constructed to fit and occupy the space between the outer most edge of a vehicle seat and the next closest compartment of the vehicle, which in most cases is a center console unit. The device may be a configured in a variety of different embodiments, including for larger and/or smaller vehicle, and may be primarily for aftermarket installation in a vehicle, but whose design functions and capabilities may be applied to original equipment manufacture . Additionally, the device may be constructed of fire retardant material and be made to be removably attached to either the seat of the vehicle or a compartment (such as the center console) in close proximity to the seat. The device may be constructed of any appropriate lightweight material and may be made to custom fit a vehicle or for standard vehicle gap specifications.