Console Sliding Structure with Elastic Overload Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional console sliding structures in vehicles require high rigidity materials to support loads, leading to increased weight and cost, especially when sliding the console with an occupant or heavy object, as they often utilize seat sliding rails which are more robust than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A console sliding structure incorporating an elastic deforming portion that absorbs overload, allowing the use of low rigidity materials by transmitting the load through an elastic deforming portion and pressure receiving portion, reducing the load on the rail and sliding member, and featuring a retainer with integrated flat springs for compact design and balanced load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high rigidity materials are used in the sliding structure to support overload, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic deforming portion that functions as a pre-designed cushioning element. When overload is applied to the console, this elastic portion deforms to absorb the excessive load, preventing it from being transmitted to the sliding member and rail. This beforehand cushioning mechanism allows the use of lower rigidity materials for the sliding structure, thereby reducing weight while maintaining reliability under normal operating conditions.
2Reliability
If high rigidity materials are used in the sliding structure to support overload, then the reliability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deforming portion serves as a cost-effective solution by absorbing overload before it reaches the sliding structure. This eliminates the need for expensive high rigidity materials in the sliding member and rail, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring the sliding structure only needs to handle normal operational loads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rail is lengthened to increase the moving distance of the console, then the adaptability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load-bearing function into two segments: the elastic deforming portion handles overload absorption, while the rail only needs to support normal operational loads. This segmentation allows the rail to be designed with lower weight materials and optimized length for the required moving distance, reducing overall weight while maintaining the necessary adaptability for console movement.
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 reduces the weight and cost of the sliding structure while maintaining functionality under high loads by using low rigidity materials and optimizing the sliding mechanism with elastic deformation and balanced load transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deforming portion which is elastically deformed when an overload is vertically applied to the console and is restored to its original state when the application of the overload ceases
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding structure slidably supports a wheel by a groove of a rail. The wheel is rotatably supported to a movable console through a supporting shaft. The sliding structure includes an elastic deforming portion which is elastically deformed when an overload is vertically applied to the movable console and is restored to the original state when its application ceases; an ascending/descending portion which descends with elastic deformation of the elastic deforming portion and ascends with restoration; and a bottom of a tray serving as a pressure receiving portion, which is provided on an ascending/descending path of the ascending/descending portion and comes in contact with the ascending/descending portion 79 descended to receive a part of the overload.