CN107685663B

CN107685663B - Integrated panel arm support structure

Info

Publication number: CN107685663B
Application number: CN201710638657.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森·安德鲁·莱恩; 马克·席尔瓦·康德拉德; 理查德·约瑟夫·索伊卡; 阿克巴·贝里; 卡罗尔·凯西
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2016-08-04
Filing date: 2017-07-31
Publication date: 2021-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-31
Also published as: MX2017010068A; DE102017117353A1; CN107685663A

Abstract

A seat assembly includes a seat back having a frame and a cushion assembly. The pad carrier includes a lower member defining a frame receiving cavity. A first set of ribs extends across the frame receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the lower member. A first set of ribs extends between the lower member and the lower support of the frame. The second set of ribs is parallel to the first set of ribs. The second set of ribs is longer than the first set of ribs.

Description

Integrated panel arm support structure

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat assembly and, more particularly, to a seat back comfort bracket for a vehicle seat assembly.

Background

Vehicle seat assemblies typically include a seat back for supporting the back of an occupant in an upright seating position and various reclined positions. Similar to other portions of vehicle seat assemblies, seat backs are typically designed to support an occupant in an upright position when the vehicle is accelerating, turning, and impacting. Thus, the seat back is generally rigid and quite large in structure.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes a seat back having a frame and a cushion assembly. The pad carrier includes a lower member defining a frame receiving cavity. A first set of ribs extends across the frame receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the lower member. A first set of ribs extends between the lower member and the lower support of the frame. The second set of ribs is parallel to the first set of ribs. The second set of ribs is longer than the first set of ribs.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes a seat back having a frame and a cushion assembly. The pad carrier includes a lower member defining a rearwardly open frame-receiving cavity. A plurality of vertically oriented ribs are positioned across the rearwardly open frame-receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the lower member. A plurality of vertically oriented ribs abut the lower support of the frame.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes a seat back having a frame and a cushion assembly. The pad carrier includes a lower member defining a frame receiving cavity. A plurality of ribs extend across the frame receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the lower member. A plurality of ribs extend between the lower member and the lower support of the frame.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the figure:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1, but with most of the vehicle seat assembly shown in phantom and the seat back bracket shown in solid lines;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of the vehicle seat back assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top rear perspective view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 5 prior to installation of the side pad supports;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the seat back bracket and pad support of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged top perspective view of the seat back bracket of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top cross-sectional view taken at the line XII-XII in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top elevational cross-sectional view taken through line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top elevational cross-sectional view of line XIV-XIV of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of region XV of FIG. 11;

fig. 16 is a front elevational view of the region XVI of fig. 9;

FIG. 17 is a top elevational cross-sectional view of the connecting member after engagement;

FIG. 18 is a top elevational cross-sectional view of the connecting member of FIG. 17, separated;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of region XIX of FIG. 10;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 6 in area X-X;

FIG. 21 is a partial front elevational view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 9 in the area XXI-XXI;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the bracket portion shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the seat back bracket;

FIG. 24 is a rear bottom perspective view of the seat back bracket mounted on the seat back; and

FIG. 25 is a rear bottom perspective view of the seat back bracket of FIG. 24 with the cushion assembly installed.

Detailed Description

For purposes of explanation in this disclosure, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure in the orientation of FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further restriction, the recitation of an element by the prefaced "comprising … a" does not exclude the presence of additional like elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated generally in FIGS. 1-22, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seat assembly including a seat back 12, the seat back 12 having a back panel 14 with a front closure panel 16. A bracket 18 is supported within the seat back 12 and includes an upper chest region 20 having a peripheral support portion 22. A peripheral gap 24 is defined between the front closure plate 16 and the upper chest region 20. The bottom 26 of the upper chest region 20 includes a lower wall 28 having a sinusoidal configuration. The vehicle seat assembly 10 also includes a lower lumbar region 32 having a peripheral support portion 34. A peripheral gap 24 is defined between the front closure plate 16 and the lower waist region 32. The upper portion 38 of the lower lumbar region 32 includes an upper wall 40 having a sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of female connectors 42 connect the lower wall 28 of the upper chest region 20 with the upper wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the vehicle seat assembly 10 is generally configured for use inside a vehicle 50 and includes a seat 52 defining a seating surface 51 in addition to a seat back 12 defining a seat back surface 53. Both the seat 52 and the seat back 12 include a

cushion assembly

54, 55, respectively, disposed thereon. It is generally contemplated that the vehicle 50 may comprise a motor vehicle such as a car, van, or van, and that the vehicle seat assembly 10 is adjustable within the vehicle 50. The cushion assembly 54 is connected to the seat frame 56, while the cushion assembly 55 is supported on the seat back frame 57. The vehicle seat assembly 10 is positioned on a slide assembly 60, the slide assembly 60 including a slide rail 62 and a slide carriage 64. The slide rails 62 are generally secured to a floor 66 of the vehicle 50 and the slide carriage 64 is secured to the vehicle seat assembly 10. The slide rails 62 and the slide carriage 64 are slidably adjustable relative to one another to allow the vehicle seating assembly 10 to be adjusted fore and aft within the vehicle 50. The vehicle seat assembly 10 also includes a variety of other adjustability functions including adjustability of the seat back 12, which may include upper thoracic and lumbar support adjustability, as well as a reclining function. The seat 52 is also adjustable and includes thigh and leg adjustments.

Referring to fig. 2-6, in the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 18 for the seat back 12 is configured to support the weight of an occupant that applies pressure to a cushion assembly 55 disposed on the seat back 12. Thus, the carriage 18 generally creates an interface between the cushion assembly 55 and the structural members of the seat back 12. The bracket 18 includes various attachment points for attachment to the cushion assembly 55 and the facing 74 and directly to the seat back frame 57. The carrier 18 is generally defined by an upper chest region 20 and a lower lumbar region 32. The female connectors 42 connect the lower wall 28 of the upper chest region 20 with the upper wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32. Upper chest region 20 generally defines an interior cavity 80 with a fan support 82 located within interior cavity 80. Similarly, the lower lumbar region 32 also defines a central space 84, and the central space 84 may include a climate comfort structure, a lumbar support structure, or the like.

Referring to fig. 2-4 and 6-9, the bracket 18 includes an upper notched portion 90, the upper notched portion 90 configured to receive a head restraint 92 disposed on a top portion 94 of the seat back 12. In addition, the carriage 18 includes a plurality of facing retainers 96, the facing retainers 96 being disposed about a peripheral edge 98 of the carriage 18. Facing retainer 96 is configured to receive a fastener disposed about a periphery 100 of facing 74. The fasteners are designed to directly engage the peripheral edge 98 of the bracket 18 to support the facing 74 and the cushion assembly 55 on the bracket 18. In addition, the upper chest region 20 of the bracket 18 includes a snap-fit attachment aperture 110, the snap-fit attachment aperture 110 designed to receive a snap-fit connector 112, the snap-fit connector 112 disposed on a front side 114 of the hinged upper chest support of the seat back 12. A plurality of facing layer securement members 120 are positioned adjacent an intermediate space 122 defined in upper chest region 20. The facing attachment members 120 are spaced apart a predetermined distance and are designed to engage the intermediate fasteners on the back side of the facing 74. In addition, a plurality of spacing holes 124 are provided between each facing fixing member 120.

Referring again to fig. 2-4 and 6-9, fan support 82 is operatively connected to lower wall 28 of upper chest region 20 and is also connected with first and second

angled supports

130, 132. Each of the first and second

angled supports

130, 132 extends into the intermediate space 122 of the upper chest region 20 and each includes a wave-like or sinusoidal configuration. This configuration allows fan support 82 to be resilient and movable to accommodate users of different weights, and also to accommodate different postures and loads that can affect seat back 12. As previously described, the bottom portion of the upper chest region 20 includes a lower wall 28 having a wavy or sinusoidal configuration. In particular, the undulating or sinusoidal configuration of the lower wall 28 of the upper thoracic region 20 generally undulates in a plane parallel to the seating surface of the seat 52. Thus, the undulations extend forward and rearward relative to the seat back surface. The upper portion of the lower lumbar region 32, and more particularly the upper wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32, also includes a sinusoidal configuration. The sinusoidal configuration of the upper wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32 also undulates forward and rearward relative to the seat back 12. It should be understood that the bracket 18 is generally arcuate to complement the shape of the back of the occupant. More specifically, the upper thorax region 20 is shaped to generally cradle and support the upper back of the occupant, while the lower lumbar region 32 is designed to cradle and support the lower back of the occupant.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the seat back 12 of the vehicle seat assembly 10 includes the following components. A seat frame 56 is connected to the seat 52 and provides overall structural support for the occupant. The back plate 14 is connected to the rear portion of the seat back frame 57. A head restraint 92 is disposed above and operatively connected to the seat back frame 57. The head restraint 92 may include various functions including forward and rearward movement and including upward and downward movement to better support the occupant's head. Additionally, the vehicle seat assembly 10 includes an upper chest support 116, the upper chest support 116 being adjustable between forward and rearward positions. An upper chest support 116 is located in front of the front closure plate 16. The front closure plate 16 includes an upper portion 156 and a lower portion 158. The upper portion 156 of the front closure panel 16 wraps around the front of the seat back frame 57 and is connected to the hard back panel 14. The lower portion 158 of the front closure panel 16 engages a lower portion of the seat back frame 57 and engages a lower portion of the hard back panel 14. A peripheral gap 24 is defined between the upper portion 156 of the front closure plate 16 and the chest support 116. The peripheral gap 24 is also located between the lower waist region 32 and the lower portion 158 of the front closure plate 16. The first and second

side support members

164, 166 are configured to be secured to the sides of the carriage 18. The entire carriage 18 and the first and second

side support members

164, 166 are designed to engage the upper portion 156 and the lower portion 158 of the front closure panel 16. At the same time, the carriage 18 supports the pad assembly 55 and the facing 74. The pad assembly 55 is operatively connected to the facing layer 74 by glue or adhesive, or by fasteners configured to engage the front of the pad assembly 55 as previously disclosed.

Referring now to fig. 6-10, 15 and 16, the bracket 18 includes an opening 170 on each side of the lower waist region 32. The opening 170 is designed to receive an engagement member 172 located on each of the first and second

side support members

164, 166. Further, a lower protrusion 174 extending forward is configured for engagement with a hole 176 having a peripheral groove 178. The apertures 176 are configured to receive and secure the tabs 174 to retain the first and second

side support members

164, 166 on the bracket 18. Additionally, a second lower projection is provided below the projection 174 and is configured to engage a lower aperture 182 on the bracket 18. The lower opening 182 also includes a peripheral groove 184. Each of the

tabs

174, 180 holds the first and second

side support members

164, 166 in fixed abutment with the carriage 18. In addition, an upward rotating hook 190 is provided at an upper portion of each of the first and second

side support members

164, 166. The upper hook fixedly engages an engagement wall 192 on the front side of the bracket 18. It should be understood that the first and second

side support members

164, 166 are mirror images of each other.

Referring now to fig. 12-14, various wave-like or sinusoidal configurations of portions of the carrier 18 are shown. Fig. 12 shows a wave-like configuration extending along the first and second

inclined supports

130, 132. The undulating configuration extending along the first and second

angled supports

130, 132 provides the fan support 82 with flexibility such that the fan support 82 or a fan disposed therein does not experience uncomfortable projections toward the back of a passenger. In addition, the sinusoidal configuration of the first and second

inclined supports

130, 132 and the first and second

inclined supports

130, 132 allows the fan support 82 to move elastically relative to the bracket 18, which has been elastic. Fig. 13 shows the sinusoidal configuration of the lower wall 28 across the upper chest region 20. The sinusoidal configuration allows for elastic movement of the upper chest region 20 relative to the lower waist region 32. The lower wall 28 of the upper chest region 20 is operatively connected with the upper wall 40 of the lower waist region 32 by a female connector 42. Thus, elasticity in both the lateral and vertical directions is provided. To provide additional elasticity, a sinusoidal configuration, as shown in fig. 14, is also provided in the upper wall 40 of the lower waist region 32. It should also be noted that the periphery of the upper chest region 20 and lower waist region 32 includes rearwardly opening slots 210 (fig. 21-22) configured to receive upholstery material fasteners that secure the upholstery material (trim stock) to the rear of the carrier 18.

Referring to fig. 17 and 18, the illustrated embodiment shows the configuration of the

projections

174, 180 in relation to the

apertures

176, 182, respectively. As shown, the inner walls 194 defining the

apertures

176, 182 are sloped or angled on one side of the

apertures

176, 182 to provide an easier snap-fit connection with the

tabs

174, 180. This configuration has the added benefit of: a more secure connection is maintained between the

protrusions

174, 180 and the

apertures

176, 182. The angled or angled wall portion is specifically sized and adapted to retain the

tabs

174, 180 during use.

Referring now to fig. 8-12 and 19 and 20, the lower cross member 200 of the carriage 18 includes a transverse elongated slot 202. The elongated slot 202 is configured to receive an engagement member in the form of a retaining tether 204, the retaining tether 204 including a securing member 206 and a flexible band 208 connected to the securing member 206. The flexible band 208 may be secured to the cushion assembly 55 or the facing layer 74 and may in fact be an elastic band that allows for stretching and contraction. The retaining tether 204 provides a releasable but secure engagement between the pad assembly 55 and the carriage 18 (fig. 19 and 20).

Referring now to fig. 21 and 22, the upper corner 230 of the bracket 18, and more particularly the upper corner 230 of the upper chest region 20 of the bracket 18, includes a generally planar portion with a fastener receiving aperture 234. Fastener receiving aperture 234 includes a slot configured to receive a mechanical fastener that engages fastener receiving aperture 234. Fastener receiving aperture 234 includes a generally semi-circular configuration with a slot 236 extending therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 236 extend at approximately 120 ° to each other. However, it should be understood that the slots 236 may extend at any angle relative to one another, and the number of slots 236 extending from the fastener receiving aperture 234 may be more or less than three.

Referring now to fig. 23-25, the cushion assembly 55 of the vehicle seat assembly 10 is supported by the bracket 18. The lower cross member 200 of the carriage 18 generally defines a frame receiving cavity 250. The first set 252 of ribs 254 extend across the frame receiving cavity 250 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the lower cross member 200. The first set 252 of ribs 254 extend between the lower cross member 200 and a lower support 256 of the seat back frame 57. The second set 258 of ribs 254 is parallel to the first set 252 of ribs 254. The second set 258 of ribs 254 is longer than the first set 252 of ribs 254.

Referring again to fig. 6-8, the lower cross member 200 generally defines an integrated panel arm support structure that is configured to account for 1.5 times the overall seat mass of the vehicle seat assembly 10. The ribs 254 of the lower cross member 200 provide structural rigidity to the lower cross member 200. During assembly, the bracket 18, and in particular the integrated panel arm structure of the lower cross member 200, is subjected to substantial loads to allow the seat assembly 10 to be assembled in the vehicle 50 using existing vehicle assembly panel arm techniques. This design is integrated into the lower region of the bracket 18 where the lower cross member 200 nests or abuts the steel cross member of the seat back frame 57. More specifically, the plurality of ribs 254 disclosed in further detail herein are configured for compressive loading, with the plurality of ribs 254 nesting against a lower support 256, typically made of steel, while the plurality of ribs 254 maintain a robust cross-section to resist crushing and/or deformation of the bracket 18 when the seat assembly 10 is positioned inside the vehicle 50.

Referring again to fig. 6-8 and 20, the lower cross member 200 includes a double flange configuration 260, the double flange configuration 260 including an upper flange 262 and a lower flange 264 to provide additional rigidity to the lower cross member 200. The upper flange 262 generally defines a transverse wall integral with the front vertical wall 266. This configuration provides additional rigidity to the lower cross member 200. A plurality of transverse ribs 270 are disposed adjacent each of the elongate slots 202. In the illustrated embodiment, top rib 272 is disposed above elongate slot 202, middle rib 274 is disposed adjacent to elongate slot 202, and lower rib 276 is disposed below elongate slot 202. It should be understood that this structure may be similarly provided on the right rear side of the seat back bracket 18 in a mirror image configuration, as shown in fig. 20 (showing the left rear side of the lower cross member 200 of the bracket 18). Notably, the facing locator 96 is defined in the double-flanged structure 260 of the lower cross member 200. More specifically, the facing locator 96 is defined between an upper flange 262 and a lower flange 264 of the double-flange structure 260.

Referring again to fig. 6-8, 20, and 23-25, the rib structure includes three sets of ribs (254 (fig. 23-25)) having slightly different configurations. Specifically, the first set 252 of ribs 254 are internal ribs that extend forward from the rear edge of the upper flange 262 and contact the vertical wall 266 of the lower cross member 200. A second set 258 (middle set) of ribs 254 extend forwardly and upwardly from the rearmost edge of the upper flange 262 of the lower cross member 200 to a position adjacent the upper edge 278 of the vertical wall 266 of the lower cross member 200. A third (outermost) set 280 of ribs 254 extends from a mid-region of the upper flange 262 of the lower cross member 200 to the intersection of the upper flange 262 and the vertical wall 266, and upwardly on the vertical wall 266 to a mid-region of the vertical wall 266 prior to terminating. Each set of ribs 254 includes a different configuration that contributes to the overall strength, but still lightweight, performance of the lower cross member 200, and thus the carriage 18. In addition, the lower cross member 200 is generally constructed of a polymeric material, as is the vertically oriented rib 254. In addition, the vertically oriented ribs 254 define a space 290 between the lower cross member 200 and the lower support of the seat back frame 57. As previously described, the vertically oriented ribs 254 are generally configured to carry compressive loads, but maintain a spacing between the lower cross member 200 and the lower support of the seat back frame 57. The lower cross member 200 generally defines a lower boundary of the climate control opening. Thus, the lower cross member 200 defines a lower edge of the central space 84 that is configured to receive climate control structures, lumbar support structures, etc. of the vehicle seat assembly 10.

It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the construction and other components of the described invention are not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure herein may be constructed of various materials, unless otherwise indicated herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connected" (in all its forms, connected, coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are connected directly or indirectly to each other. Such connections may be fixed or removable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed with each other or with the two components. Unless otherwise stated, such connections may be fixed in nature or may be removable or releasable.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements disclosed as exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and benefits of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the interaction may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members, the connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the components and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.

It should be understood that any described process or steps in a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A seat assembly, comprising:

a seat back comprising a frame and a cushion assembly;

a pad carrier including a lower lumbar region defining a central space therethrough, the pad carrier supporting the pad assembly and including a lower cross member defining a frame receiving cavity;

a first set of ribs disposed on the lower cross member and extending across the frame-receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the lower cross member, the first set of ribs extending across the lower cross member and between the lower cross member and a lower support of the frame; and

a second set of ribs parallel to the first set of ribs and disposed on the lower cross member, the second set of ribs being longer than the first set of ribs.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the cushion bracket includes a double flange adjacent the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs.

3. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second sets of ribs define a space between the lower cross member and the lower support.

4. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the first set of ribs is centrally disposed along the lower cross member.

5. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the lower cross member is constructed of a polymeric material.

6. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the lower cross member defines a lower boundary of a climate control opening.

7. The seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of transverse ribs disposed on a side of the lower transverse member and extending in a direction orthogonal to the first set of ribs.

8. A seat assembly, comprising:

a seat back comprising a frame and a cushion assembly;

a pad carrier defining a central space therethrough and supporting the pad assembly, the pad carrier including a lower cross member defining a rearwardly open frame receiving cavity; and

a plurality of vertically oriented ribs disposed on the lower cross member and positioned across the rearwardly open frame-receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the lower cross member, the plurality of vertically oriented ribs abutting the lower support of the frame.

9. The seat assembly of claim 8 wherein the cushion bracket includes a double flange adjacent the plurality of vertically oriented ribs.

10. The seat assembly of claim 8 wherein the plurality of vertically oriented ribs define a space between the lower cross member and the lower support.

11. The seat assembly of claim 8 wherein the plurality of vertically oriented ribs are centrally disposed along the lower cross member.

12. The seat assembly of claim 8 wherein the lower cross member is constructed of a polymeric material.

13. The seat assembly of claim 8 wherein the lower cross member defines a lower boundary of a climate control opening.

14. The seat assembly of claim 8, further comprising:

a plurality of transverse ribs disposed on a side of the lower transverse member and extending in a direction orthogonal to the plurality of vertically oriented ribs.

15. A seat assembly, comprising:

a seat back comprising a frame and a cushion assembly;

a pad carrier supporting the pad assembly and including a lower cross member defining a frame receiving cavity; and

a plurality of ribs disposed on the lower cross member and extending across the frame-receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the lower cross member, the plurality of ribs extending between the lower cross member and a lower support of the frame.

16. The seat assembly of claim 15 wherein the cushion bracket includes a double flange adjacent the plurality of ribs.

17. The seat assembly of claim 15 wherein the plurality of ribs define a space between the lower cross member and the lower support.

18. The seat assembly of claim 15 wherein the plurality of ribs are centrally disposed along the lower cross member.

19. The seat assembly of claim 15 wherein the lower cross member is constructed of a polymeric material.

20. The seat assembly of claim 15 wherein the lower cross member defines a lower boundary of a climate control opening.