Bearing Device for Vehicle Seat Pivot Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bearing devices for pivot levers in vehicle seat adjustments require additional components and space due to the C-shaped profile of adjustment rails, making it difficult to mount a pivot lever that needs to be pivoted perpendicular to the driving direction.
Innovation Solution
A wing nut or wing bolt is fastened to the inner side of a receptacle with angled sections, connected via welding or riveting, featuring a bearing section that fits within a recess in the receptacle, allowing the pivot axis to be positioned between the sections, thus reducing the need for external adapters and space, and enabling a positive fit with a uniform receptacle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional threaded bolt is used to support the pivot lever, then the connection is secure, but it cannot be guided from the inside through the C-shaped profile borehole
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of threading the bolt from the outside through the C-shaped profile, the invention inverts the approach by placing the holding element with bearing sections on the inner side of the receptacle. The connecting surface is welded or riveted to the inner side, allowing assembly from the inside out, which resolves the guidance problem through the C-shaped profile borehole.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components like external adapters are used to accommodate the C-shaped profile, then the pivot lever can be mounted, but the device requires more space and more components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple components into a single integrated holding element. The holding element combines the bearing sections, the connecting surface for welding/riveting, and the pivot lever receiving feature into one component that fits within the receptacle, eliminating the need for external adapters and reducing the total number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle design with the specific recess shape serves multiple functions: it provides the structural C-shaped profile, creates the bearing surface for the holding element, and guides the assembly process. The holding element similarly serves multiple functions including supporting the pivot lever, providing connection surfaces, and fitting within the constrained space.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connecting surface is normal to the pivot axis, then the alignment is simple, but the pivot axis cannot be positioned optimally between the angled sections of the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric orientation of the connecting surface relative to the pivot axis. The connecting surface is angled rather than normal to the pivot axis, allowing the pivot axis to be positioned between the angled sections of the receptacle. This asymmetric design is compensated by the specific recess shape that guides the holding element into the correct orientation during assembly.
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
This solution allows for efficient and space-saving pivoting support of the lever with few components, eliminating the need for external adapters and enabling flexible assembly with either wing nuts or bolts using a single type of receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
The connection between the holding element and the receptacle is provided at the inner side of the receptacle and can be established especially by welding or riveting.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing device for supporting a pivot lever that is pivotable around a pivot axis (A), in particular for adjusting seats in motor vehicles, having a receptacle (2) with at least two sections (2a, 2b) that are arranged at an angle to each other. The receptacle (2) has at least one recess (2c) as well as one inner side, which is defined between the inner side of the first section (2a) that faces away from the position of the pivot lever and the inner side of the second section (2b) that faces toward the inner side of the first section (2a). The bearing device includes additionally a holding element (1, 1′) that is connected to the receptacle (2). The holding element (1, 1′) is attached to the second section (2b) with at least one connecting surface (1b, 1b′) that faces the inner side of the second section (2b).