Drive Cable Seating Assembly with Spring Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seating assemblies are not reconfigurable to various locations within the cabin, limiting occupant comfort and flexibility in seating arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly coupled to a rail system with a drive cable and cable drive motor, allowing translation along the rail system, and an anchor mechanism with springs to engage and disengage the seating assembly from the drive cable for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed seating assembly is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the seating arrangement lacks flexibility and reconfigurability
Solution Approach 1:
The seating assembly transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The anchor mechanism with movable locking pin and spring system enables the seating assembly to dynamically change positions along the rail system, achieving adaptability while managing complexity through controlled motion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system with drive cable serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables translation movement, and allows reconfiguration of seating arrangements. The anchor mechanism similarly serves both as a connection point and as a locking/release mechanism, reducing the need for separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seating assembly is locked to the rail system, then the seating position is stable, but the seating assembly cannot be repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions. When engaged, it provides stable locking; when disengaged, it allows repositioning. The spring mechanism automatically returns the locking pin to the engaged position after movement, ensuring stability is restored after reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive cable acts as an intermediary between the motor and the seating assembly. It transmits force to move the seating assembly along the rail system and can be selectively engaged or disengaged by the anchor mechanism, enabling controlled repositioning without compromising stability when locked.
3Ease of operation
If the drive cable continuously engages the seating assembly, then the seating can be moved freely, but smooth movement and controlled stopping are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically returns the locking pin to the engaged position with the drive cable after the seating assembly has been moved. This self-acting mechanism ensures continuous engagement during movement for smooth operation while automatically re-locking when the motor stops, eliminating the need for complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin periodically engages and disengages from the drive cable in synchronization with the motor's start-stop cycles. During motor operation, the pin is disengaged to allow free movement; when the motor stops, the spring returns the pin to engage with the cable, providing periodic locking that ensures smooth operation during movement and stability at rest.
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 the seating assembly to be repositioned and reconfigured within the vehicle cabin, enhancing occupant comfort and flexibility by allowing translation and reconfiguration of seating arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring is positioned proximate an upper head of the post and is configured to aid in actuating the locking pin. A second spring is positioned between a lower head of the post and a shoulder of the locking pin.
Implementation Method 2
A first spring is positioned proximate an upper head of the post and is configured to aid in actuating the locking pin. A second spring is positioned between a lower head of the post and a shoulder of the locking pin.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a seating assembly coupled to a rail system that defines a track. A drive cable is configured to selectively engage with the seating assembly such that the seating assembly is translated along the rail system. A cable drive motor is configured to impart motion to the drive cable. One or more pulleys are positioned along the track.