Eccentric Joint Fitting for Vehicle Seat Play Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wobble joint fittings require clamping parts to perform a dual function, both compensating play and defining the eccentric, limiting their geometric configuration and arrangement, and making it difficult to optimize their design for either function independently.

Innovation Solution

The clamping parts are designed exclusively for play compensation, with the eccentric defined solely by the eccentric driving part, allowing for optimal positioning and configuration independent of the eccentric function, enabling separation of play compensation and drive functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If clamping parts are configured as wedge members that define the eccentric, then the eccentric function is achieved, but the geometric configuration and arrangement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric configuration flexibilityVSAvoiddual function requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the previously combined functions into separate components: the eccentric driving part defines the eccentric motion, while the clamping parts independently perform play compensation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the constraints of dual functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping function is extracted from the eccentric-defining function. The clamping parts are removed from the eccentric structure and positioned independently between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface, allowing them to focus solely on play compensation while the eccentric driving part handles eccentric motion definition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If clamping parts perform dual function (play compensation and eccentric definition), then both functions are achieved in one component, but optimization for either function is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplay compensation effectivenessVSAvoiddesign optimization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by giving different components specialized functions: the eccentric driving part has the specific geometry needed for eccentric motion, while the clamping parts have geometries optimized purely for clamping and play compensation. This localized functional assignment enables independent optimization of each component for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If clamping parts are positioned within the eccentric structure, then the eccentric function is maintained, but the clamping function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping conditionVSAvoidstructural integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an intermediary positioning arrangement where clamping parts are placed between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface, independent of the eccentric driving part's internal structure. This intermediary position allows the clamping parts to effectively compensate for play without being constrained by the eccentric structure's geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design allows for improved clamping conditions and more favorable eccentric drive formation, enabling the clamping parts to be optimized for play compensation without affecting the eccentric function, even under high loads, and providing flexibility in their geometric configuration.

Implementation Method 1

an externally toothed pinion that is located within the internal gear and is in engagement therewith

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

an eccentric driving part disposed in the area between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface, and with clamping parts which, in a clamping state, displace the eccentric axis relative to the main axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS8336962B2Eccentric joint fitting for a vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2012.12.25 KEIPER SEATING MECHANISMS CO LTD
  • US8336962B2 patent drawing
  • US8336962B2 patent drawing
  • US8336962B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wobble joint fitting for a vehicle seat has a first joint arm, which carries an internal gear and forms a first bearing surface, which are central to a main axis, and a second joint arm to which an eccentric gear is allocated, which comprises an externally toothed pinion and a second bearing surface. The pinion and the second bearing surface are central to an eccentric axis. An eccentric driving part is disposed in the area between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface. Clamping parts, in a clamping state, displace the eccentric axis relative to the main axis. The eccentric driving part defines the eccentric. The rotary drive of the eccentric driving part causes a rotation of the pinion relative to the internal gear even without the clamping parts being present, wherein only play compensation is not obtained without the presence of the clamping parts.