Angled Motor Vehicle Seat Rail Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat rail systems for motor vehicles are not easily removable, adjustable, or cost-effective, and lack crash-proof locking mechanisms and preparation for electrification, with high production costs and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A rail system with legs bent at angles less than 90 degrees to increase rigidity, incorporating angled locking mechanisms and electrical conductors within folded edges for easy electrification, allowing for adjustable and secure seat positioning while reducing material thickness and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If legs are designed with sections extending away from the base at right angles, then the locking means can be arranged in horizontal sections, but the material thickness must be increased to achieve comparable mechanical load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the leg sections by introducing inclination angles (30-60 degrees) relative to the base, replacing the conventional right-angle design. This parameter change optimizes the structural efficiency, allowing the same mechanical load capacity to be achieved with reduced material thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs bent and inclined leg sections with specific curvature profiles rather than straight rigid sections. The curved and angled geometry distributes mechanical loads more efficiently through the structure, reducing the need for increased material thickness while maintaining strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If legs are designed with sections extending away from the base at right angles, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the rigidity is insufficient requiring increased material thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters by introducing inclined sections at 30-60 degrees and bent configurations. These parameter changes enhance rigidity through improved structural geometry while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for complex manufacturing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg structure is segmented into multiple sections with different orientations (inclined sections, bent sections, and connection sections). This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability through standard fabrication techniques.
3Device complexity
If locking means are arranged in horizontal sections of legs, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the connection strength between rail and holding means is insufficient for crash-proof locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes the bent and inclined geometry of the leg sections to create angular locking surfaces. The bent sections provide inclined locking faces that engage with corresponding surfaces in the holding means, converting horizontal locking forces into diagonal compression forces that provide crash-proof connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameters of the locking surfaces from horizontal to inclined angles matching the leg section angles (30-60 degrees). This parameter change transforms the locking mechanism into a crash-proof system by creating mechanical advantage through the inclined geometry, increasing connection strength without complicating the overall design.
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
Rail (2) for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a receptacle (12) into which retaining means (1) for a seat displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the rail can be inserted, a plurality of locking means arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the rail for the retaining means (1) which enable the seat to be fixed in a desired position, wherein the rail (2) has a base (3) and two legs (9) extending away from the base (3), between or on which the receptacle (12) for the retaining means (1) is formed, wherein in particular at least one of the legs (9) forms an angle of less than 90° with the base (3), and/or wherein in particular a section (4) of at least one leg (9) is oriented at an angle of less than 90° to the base (3).