Eccentric Gear Adjustment Fitting with Integrated Braking Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment fittings for motor vehicle components, such as vehicle seats, face challenges in maintaining reliability and cost-effectiveness due to complex designs requiring close tolerances and multiple components for force transmission, leading to increased production costs and potential deflection under dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact and cost-effective adjustment fitting design featuring a gear unit with eccentrically arranged gears and wedge segments, incorporating a braking element with a locking mechanism that allows for secure locking with fewer parts and reduced tolerance requirements, ensuring smooth operation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple elements are used for force transmission in the locking device, then the locking reliability is improved, but the production cost increases and tolerance requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple force transmission functions into a single braking element that integrates both the braking function and the locking function. The braking element directly transmits locking forces to the wedge segments without requiring separate locking elements, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining locking reliability through direct force transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a braking device for controlling the adjustment motion and as a locking device for securing the fitting parts in position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If close tolerances are maintained for multiple components, then the locking device reliability is ensured, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking function into the braking element, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and contact surfaces between components. This eliminates the need for multiple precision-machined mating surfaces, thereby reducing tolerance requirements and manufacturing costs while maintaining locking device reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the force transmission path by having the braking element directly contact the wedge segments, changing the geometric parameters and contact conditions. This allows for more relaxed tolerance specifications on the braking element and wedge segments compared to a multi-element locking mechanism, reducing production costs while ensuring reliable operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking ring with locking lugs is used, then the deflection prevention is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the deflection prevention function into the existing braking element and wedge segment assembly. The braking element's direct contact with the wedge segments provides inherent stability and prevents deflection under load, eliminating the need for a separate locking ring with locking lugs and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential stabilizing function from the complex locking ring structure and implements it through the simplified braking element-wedge segment interface. By removing the redundant locking ring component and retaining only the necessary stabilizing mechanisms within the braking system, the patent achieves deflection prevention with fewer parts.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and structurally compact adjustment fitting that maintains stability under various loads, including extreme conditions, by utilizing a braking element with a simple locking mechanism that ensures secure engagement between fitting parts without compromising gear function.
Implementation Method 1
two wedge segments (33, 34) for ensuring the eccentric arrangement of the first gear (31) relative to the second gear (32)
Implementation Method 2
a braking element (40) which, in the radial direction starting from the rotational shaft (30), comprises an extension approximately corresponding to the external radius of the wedge segments (33, 34)
Implementation Method 3
the gear unit (3) comprises a first gear (31) on the first fitting part (1) and the gear unit (3) comprises a second gear (32) on the second fitting part (2) arranged eccentrically to the first gear (31)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an adjustment fitting for a motor vehicle component, especially a vehicle seat. Said adjustment fitting comprises a first part and a second part which is rotatable relative to the first part about a rotational shaft by means of a gear unit. The gear unit encompasses a first gear on the first part of the fitting and a second gear on the second part of the fitting, the second gear being disposed eccentric to the first gear. Two wedge segments are provided for securing the eccentric arrangement of the first gear relative to the second gear. The inventive adjustment fitting is characterized in that the wedge segments have an inner radius and an outer radius while the adjustment fitting further comprises a decelerating element which is fitted with an extension that starts at the rotational shaft, runs in an axial direction, and corresponds approximately to the outer radius of the wedge segments.