Compact Linear Dampener With Lead Screw for Seat Packaging Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear struts in automotive seat assemblies are excessively long due to the space required for compression, making it difficult to reposition the seat assembly between upright and storage positions.

Innovation Solution

A compact linear dampener with a rotary mechanism, including a rotary dampener, lead screw, and nut configuration, which dampens the rotation speed of the lead screw to control the movement of the seat assembly, reducing packaging space and facilitating smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional linear struts are used to facilitate seat motion, then the dampening function is achieved, but the longitudinal length becomes excessively long (greater than two times the dampening range)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedampening functionVSAvoidlongitudinal length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the lead screw inside the rotor shaft, and the nut inside the housing. This nested arrangement allows the dampening components to be compacted into a smaller longitudinal space, reducing the overall length to less than two times the dampening range while maintaining the dampening function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional linear compression mechanism to a rotary mechanism with lead screw translation. By converting linear motion into rotary motion through the lead screw and nut interface, the system achieves dampening in a compacted dimensional arrangement, reducing the longitudinal footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional linear struts with gas, oil, or spring compression are used, then the dampening range is achieved, but the packaging space becomes excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedampening rangeVSAvoidpackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional gas-filled, oil-filled, or spring-based compression mechanisms with a rotary dampener and lead screw system. This substitution eliminates the need for large compression chambers while achieving the same dampening range through rotary-to-linear motion conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact linear dampener with rotary mechanism is used, then the packaging space is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging spaceVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rotary dampener, lead screw, and nut into a single integrated compact linear dampener assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation, offsetting the inherent complexity of the rotary mechanism through unified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 compact linear dampener allows for efficient repositioning of the seat assembly with reduced packaging space, providing smoother operation and controlled movement between seating and storage positions.

Implementation Method 1

a rotary dampener dampens the rotation speed of the lead screw as the lead screw rotates to control movement of the rotating member relative to the fixed member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 2

a lead screw fixedly coupled to the rotor shaft and rotatably coupled to the distal end of the linear dampener, a nut meshingly engaged with the lead screw and configured to travel along the lead screw wherein the nut traveling along the lead screw causes the lead screw to rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20250340158A1Compact linear dampener

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 MAGNA SEATING INC

AI summary

A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle has a fixed member, a rotating member pivotally coupled to the fixed member, and a linear dampener having a proximal end and a distal end fixedly coupled to the rotating member. The linear dampener includes a rotary dampener having a rotor shaft, a lead screw fixedly coupled to the rotor shaft, and a nut meshingly engaged with the lead screw and configured to travel along the lead screw causing the lead screw to rotate. The seat assembly includes an activation link pivotally coupled to the nut and pivotally coupled to the fixed member. Pivoting the rotating member causes the nut to travel along the lead screw causing the lead screw to rotate at a rotation speed and the rotary dampener dampens the rotation speed of the lead screw as the lead screw rotates to dampen the pivotal movement of the rotating member relative to the fixed member.