Adjuster Device Locking Mechanism for Vibration Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle adjustment devices face issues with unwanted adjustments due to vibrations, as the frictional connection between the brake ring and brake elements can lead to unintended movements, necessitating a solution that allows immediate adjustment upon user input without idle or forerun movements.

Innovation Solution

An adjusting device with a fixed element, an adjustable element, and a second locking device comprising an adapter plate and a locking element, where the adapter plate is rotatable and configured to release the disengagement movement path, enabling the adjustable element to be rotated before the locking spring element is released, thus preventing unintended adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a friction brake is used as the first locking device, then the adjustable element can be locked during adjustment, but unwanted adjustments may occur due to vibrations despite the frictional connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidvibration-induced unwanted adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second locking device with the adapter plate and locking element provides preliminary securing of the adjustable element before the friction brake fully engages. The locking element can be positioned in advance to prevent vibration-induced unwanted adjustments while maintaining the ability to adjust when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If additional mechanical connections are added to prevent idle movements, then the adjustable element can be secured, but the device complexity increases and the risk of tilting or breaking off increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of idle movementsVSAvoidnumber of mechanical connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter plate serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the locking element, acts as a lever arm for actuation, and structurally connects the locking mechanism to the fixed element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the adapter plate and locking element into an integrated second locking device that works together with the first friction brake locking device. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional mechanical connections are added to prevent idle movements, then the adjustable element can be secured, but the risk of tilting or breaking off increases during repeated actuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of idle movementsVSAvoidresistance to tilting and breaking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to engage preliminary with the adjustable element before full adjustment occurs. This preliminary action prevents idle movements and reduces stress on mechanical connections during repeated actuation, thereby preventing tilting or breaking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the locking element is released immediately upon actuation, then the adjustable element can be adjusted directly, but idle or forerun movements occur before the adjustment movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect adjustment upon actuationVSAvoididle or forerun movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter plate is designed to move first upon actuation, which then triggers the release of the locking element. This preliminary movement of the adapter plate eliminates idle or forerun movements of the adjustable element, allowing direct adjustment upon actuation without time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows direct actuation of the adjustable element without idle movements, eliminating the need for additional mechanical connections and reducing the risk of tilting or breaking, ensuring precise and reliable adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a locking device, which ensures that the adjustment device is blocked due to a frictional connection between a brake ring and brake elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the locking element can interact in a form-fitting manner with an adapter plate in a locking situation along a direction running parallel to a central axis and in a non-locking situation allows a disengagement movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3013634B1Adjuster device having a fixed element, an adjustable element and a first locking device
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HLDG SARL
  • EP3013634B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3013634B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3013634B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention proposes an adjuster device (1) having a fixed element (20), an adjustable element (10) and a first locking device, wherein the adjustable element is mounted rotatably around a central axis (2) relative to the fixed element and the adjustable element can be locked relative to the fixed element by the first locking device, wherein the adjuster device comprises a second locking device as a security device, wherein the second locking device comprises an adapter plate (11) and a locking element (21), wherein the locking element is non-rotatably arranged on the fixed element and the adapter plate is arranged rotatably around the central axis, wherein in the locking position a disengaging movement of the non-rotatable locking element along an axis running parallel to the central axis is prevented by the adapter plate, wherein the adjustable element can be driven by the adapter plate and wherein the adapter plate and the adjustable element are configured in such a manner that, during the transition from a locking position into a non-locking position, the adapter plate releases the path of the locking element for the disengaging movement and the adjustable element can be driven in such a manner that the rotation of the adjustable element causes the disengaging movement, wherein the adjustable element can be rotated relative to the fixed element before the disengaging movement is released for the locking element.