Description:SEAT RECLINER COVER STRUCTURE OF A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat recliner cover structure of a vehicle for restriction of an actuation of a recliner lever. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the seat recliner cover structure where the recliner cover is able to avoid tapered deformation of a B-pillar trim below the recliner lever, which otherwise results to an actuation of the recliner lever as a result of downward movement of the seat during side crash.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, a vehicle comes with different structural features that is able to cater demands of a driver and co-passengers thereby ensuring a smooth ride. Among all such structural features, seat recliner holds a primary importance thus enabling the driver or the co-driver to adjust their seats accordingly depending on their height or posture requirements. The adjustment of seat is facilitated by a seat recliner lever that allows the seat to rotate in forward and in rearward direction from a pivot point according to comfort of the driver or the co-driver.
[0003] Figure 1 (a) and (b) depicts an existing seat recliner cover (100) and an assembly of structures associated with the seat recliner cover. Referring to Figure 1 (b), the assembly of structures present near the recliner seat includes a B-pillar trim (102), a seat rail (110), a seat recliner cover (100) and a recliner lever (104). Now, during accidents, particularly during a side crash, the B-pillar trim (102) moves inward to vehicle cabin direction thereby actuating the recliner lever (104). More specifically, a tapered deformation of the B-pillar trim (102) is created in an inward direction towards the seat which arrests movement of the recliner lever (104). Due to movement of the seat in downward direction, the recliner lever (104) which is stuck with the B-pillar trim (102) gets actuated during such crash events. Resultantly, the back rest of the seat moved in forward direction due to moment of inertia, the driver and/or the co-driver tend to strike in forward direction on the steering wheel and instrument panel. This may lead to severe injuries to the driver and the co-driver, and may even result into traumatic brain damages as well. Also, due to actuation of the seat recliner lever (104), if the driver and the co-driver tend to move in the backward direction, the driver may lose control of the vehicle completely and deadly accidents may happen.
[0004] In view of this, it may be mentioned in this context, that due to tapered deformation of the B-pillar trim (102), movement of the recliner lever (104) is getting detained and this may lead to an overall uncertain situation as the driver will not be in a position to control the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need to restrict tapered deformation of the B-pillar trim (102) during side crash such that it does not affect the recliner lever (104) of the vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0006] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
[0007] It is a significant object of the present disclosure to provide a seat recliner cover that can restrict actuation of a recliner lever during crash of a vehicle.
[0008] It is another principal object of the present disclosure to provide the seat recliner cover that is able to restrict tapered deformation of the B-pillar trim towards the seat recliner cover during an event of side crash.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide structural changes in the seat recliner cover such that the seat cover does not get crumpled during side crash.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide structural changes in the seat recliner cover such that it can result into an enhanced amount of stiffness.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide the seat recliner cover structure that is able to facilitate a uniform distribution of load in order to minimize extent of deformation.
[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taking into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an improved seat recliner cover of a vehicle that is able to facilitate restriction of an actuation of a recliner lever of the vehicle. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0014] According to an embodiment of a present disclosure, there is provided a seat recliner cover structure of a vehicle for facilitating restriction of an actuation of a recliner lever by tapered deformation of a B-pillar trim during side crash.
[0015] In an aspect, the seat recliner cover comprises an upper lateral surface, a bulge shaped surface and a wedge shaped surface integrated with lower edge of the upper lateral surface. Herein, the bulge shaped surface and the wedge shaped surface are protruding transversely in an outward direction from the upper lateral surface and cover a lower and a front portion of the upper lateral surface. The wedge shaped surface extend from a hole provided in the upper lateral surface for accommodating the recliner lever and tapered in a lower direction to merge with the bulge shaped surface.
[0016] In an aspect, in the seat recliner cover, the bulge shaped surface and a wedge shaped surface are supported by a plurality of ribs at rear surface.
[0017] In an aspect, in the seat recliner cover, a plurality of strengthening ribs are formed along a periphery of the seat recliner cover to provide stiffness to the seat recliner cover.
[0018] In an aspect, in the seat recliner cover, width of protrusion of the bulge shaped surface and the wedge shaped surface is proportional to width of the recliner lever.
[0019] In an aspect, in the seat recliner cover, it is intended to have maximum surface area of the wedge shaped surface in contact with the B-pillar trim.
[0020] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)
[0022] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
[0023] Figure 1 represents an existing arrangement illustrating a problem statement as outlined in the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 2 (a)-(b) represents front view and rear view of a seat recliner cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] Figure 3 (a)-(b) illustrate the cross sectional features of the seat recliner covering the wedge shaped surface and an upper lateral surface; and
[0026] Figure 4 illustrates working of the proposed invention in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0029] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0030] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
Exemplary implementations/embodiments
[0031] The present disclosure relates to a seat recliner cover structure that is incorporated with structural features so as to restrict tapered deformation of a B-pillar trim (102) towards a recliner lever (104) of a vehicle during an event of side crash. This is important because when tapered deformation of the B-pillar trim (102) is restricted, it will stop actuation of the recliner lever (104) when the seat moves downwards due to side crash loads. Additionally, the present disclosure aims towards design of the seat recliner cover such that it is stiffer than the existing one. The structural attributes of the seat recliner cover are detailed in the subsequent sections.
[0032] Figure 2 (a)-(b) represents a front view and a rear view of the seat recliner cover (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Herein, as already mentioned, the seat recliner cover (200) is designed to facilitate restriction of the recliner lever (104) by intrusion of the tapered B-pillar trim (102).
[0033] In an aspect, structure of the seat recliner cover (200) comprises of three surfaces, namely an upper lateral surface (202), a wedge shaped surface (204) and a bulge shaped surface (208). The upper lateral surface (202) may be said to further comprise of three regions, namely a lower region, a front region and a rear region.
[0034] In an aspect, the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) are integrated with the upper lateral surface (202). Herein, the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) are protruding transversely in an outward direction from the upper lateral surface (202). In other words, it may be noted from Figure 2 (b) that a partial area of the lower region of the upper lateral surface (202) is forming a wedge shaped surface (204) and a partial area of the front region of the upper lateral surface (202) is forming the bulge shaped surface (208). This is also evident from the cross sectional features as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, it may be said that the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) are covering a lower and a front portion of the upper lateral surface (202). Additionally, the outward protrusion of the wedge shaped surface (204) aid in restricting actuation of the seat recliner lever (104) by intrusion of the B-pillar trim (102).
[0035] In an aspect, the wedge shaped surface (204) is extending to form a hole provided in the upper lateral surface (202) in order to receive and accommodate the recliner lever (104). The wedge shaped surface (204) is tapered in a lower direction to merge with the bulge shaped surface (208). Herein, overall width between the upper lateral surface (202) and the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) may be referred to, say ‘D’. The width ‘D’ remains uniform throughout the joinery of the upper lateral surface (202) and a combination of the bulge shaped surface (108) and the wedge shaped surface (104).
[0036] In an aspect, the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) are supported by a plurality of ribs (210) at a rear surface. These plurality of ribs (210) provide an enhanced stiffness to the structure of the seat recliner cover (200). The stiffness may be provided in a longitudinal or in a vertical or in a height wise direction depending on requirements.
[0037] In an aspect, additionally, there are provided a plurality of strengthening ribs along a periphery of structure of the seat recliner cover (200) to provide stiffness while receiving the recliner lever (104).
[0038] In an aspect, the plurality of ribs (210, 212) being a stiffer part, is able to bear stresses during crash and also resists the seat cover from getting crumpled.
[0039] Figure 4 (a)-(b) illustrates working of the proposed invention in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The positioning of the newly designed seat recliner cover (200) may be ascertained from Figure 4 (a). Now referring to Figure 4 (b), it may be observed that due to presence of the wedge shaped surface (204), structure of the seat recliner cover (200) is protruded in an outward direction. The outward protrusion of the seat recliner cover (200) hinders the tapered deformation of the B-pillar trim (102) towards the recliner lever (104) during side crash events, or any such likely crash. Consequently, the B-pillar trim (102) is not able to arrest actuation of the recliner lever (104) and the driver and the co-driver of the vehicle may be saved from hitting hard on the instrument panel or in the backward direction unlike the existing arrangement discussed with reference to Figure 1.
[0040] In an aspect, width of protrusion of the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) is proportional to width of the recliner lever (304). Additionally, width of protrusion of the bulge shaped surface (208) may also be more than that of the wedge shaped surface (204) depending on requirements.
[0041] In an aspect, it is intended to have maximum surface area of the wedge shaped surface in contact with the B-pillar trim (102). This feature ascertains uniform distribution of stress throughout the wedge shaped surface (204) which in turn minimizes extent of deformation that may occur as a result of the side crash. Additionally, extension of the seat recliner cover (200) away from the recliner lever (104) also aid to avoid tapered deformation of the B-pillar trim (102) towards the recliner lever (104) during crash.
Technical Advantages
[0042] All in all, the invention described in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:
a) The proposed structure of the seat recliner cover (200) facilitates restriction of tapered deformation of the B-pillar trim (102) towards the seat recliner cover during an event of crash, which also prevents the recliner lever (104) from getting actuated
b) The proposed structure of the seat recliner cover (200) is able to provide an enhanced stiffness
c) The proposed structure of the seat recliner cover (200) is able to ensure a uniform distribution of stress thereby minimizing an extent of deformation cause due to crash events
d) The proposed structure of the seat recliner cover (200) helps in preventing the seat cover from getting crumpled
e) The structural attributes of the seat recliner cover (200) enhances rigidity and robustness of the overall arrangement
Equivalents
[0043] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various systems that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0044] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0045] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0046] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A seat recliner cover structure (200) of a vehicle for facilitating restriction of an actuation of a recliner lever (104) by tapered deformation of a B-pillar trim (102) during side crash, the seat recliner cover (200) comprising:
- an upper lateral surface (202);
- a bulge shaped surface (208) and a wedge shaped surface (204) integrated with lower edge of the upper lateral surface (202), wherein the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) are protruding transversely in an outward direction from the upper lateral surface (202) and cover a lower and a front portion of the upper lateral surface (202); and
- wherein the wedge shaped surface (204) extend from a hole (206) provided in the upper lateral surface (202) for accommodating the recliner lever (104) and taper in a lower direction to merge with the bulge shaped surface (208).

2. The seat recliner cover structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bulge shaped surface (208) and a wedge shaped surface (204) are supported by a plurality of ribs (210) at rear surface.

3. The seat recliner cover structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of strengthening ribs (212) are formed along a periphery of the seat recliner cover (200) to provide stiffness to the seat recliner cover (200).

4. The seat recliner cover structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein width of protrusion of the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) is proportional to width of the recliner lever (104).

5. The seat recliner cover structure (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein width of protrusion of the bulge shaped surface (208) and the wedge shaped surface (204) is more than width of the recliner lever (104).

6. The seat recliner cover structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein maximum surface area of the wedge shaped surface (204) is in contact with surface area of the B-pillar trim (102).