Deformable Stop Tabs for Adjustable Seat Track Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat track systems lack the ability to configure different travel lengths using common rail components without discrete attachment points, limiting their versatility across various vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinally adjustable seat track assembly featuring deformable intermediate stop tabs that can be selectively bent into the travel path of a moveable rail to limit its travel length, allowing for variable positioning without pre-defined attachment points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate end stop components are selectively attached to pre-formed locations on seat track rails, then the range of end stop locations can be adjusted, but the locations and arrangement are limited to the pre-formed attachment points provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the stop tabs from fixed to deformable, allowing them to be bent into different positions along the rail. This enables continuous adjustment of end stop locations rather than being limited to discrete pre-formed attachment points, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stop tabs are designed to be dynamically repositionable through deformation, transitioning from a static fixed position to a movable configurable position. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt to different travel length requirements without requiring multiple discrete attachment points
2Adaptability or versatility
If unique end stop locations are provided for each seat/track assembly, then specific vehicle applications can be accommodated, but commonizing basic track configurations is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable stop tab design allows a single standardized track assembly to serve multiple vehicle applications by configuring the stop tabs to different positions. This universal design eliminates the need for unique end stop locations for each application while maintaining the ability to accommodate specific requirements through simple tab deformation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of different travel lengths is provided in a seat track assembly, then versatility is improved, but the use of discrete attachment points is required
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the physical state of the stop tabs to deformable, the system achieves continuous parameter adjustment for travel length without requiring discrete attachment points. The stop tabs can be bent to any position along the rail, providing a wide range of travel length configurations while maintaining a simple, unified structure
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
Enables a wide range of travel length configurations using common rail components, enhancing versatility and adaptability to different vehicle applications by allowing for customizable seat positioning without the need for unique end stop locations.
Implementation Method 1
The stationary rail has at least one intermediate stop tab that is deformable between a bypass position, wherein the intermediate stop tab does not interfere with movement of the moveable rail, and an intermediate end stop position, wherein the intermediate end stop tab interferes with the moveable rail relative to the stationary rail
Data Source
AI summary
A seat track assembly includes a moveable rail configured to support a seat and a stationary rail configured to be mounted to a floor structure. The moveable rail is selectively positioned relative to the stationary rail is a plurality of use positions. The moveable and stationary rails include end stop structures that cooperate to adjust the overall travel length and travel midpoint position of the moveable rail relative to the stationary rail.