Electromechanical Backrest Adjustment Device for Vehicle Seats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backrest adjustment devices for vehicle seats restrict structural width and are difficult to actuate comfortably due to the space required for hand wheels or levers, which competes with other essential components like side airbags and impact protection systems.

Innovation Solution

A backrest adjustment device using an electromechanical actuator to disengage and lock the fixing mechanism, eliminating the need for a hand wheel or lever, allowing for precise and reliable inclination adjustment of the backrest part, integrated with existing seat structures and utilizing a Bowden cable for actuation, and positioned for ergonomic accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an actuating lever or hand wheel is used to disengage the fixing mechanism, then the backrest inclination can be adjusted manually, but the structural width of the vehicle seat increases and space for lateral protective devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual actuation of backrest adjustmentVSAvoidstructural width of vehicle seat

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical actuation system (lever or hand wheel) with an electromechanical actuator that can be controlled remotely. The electromechanical actuator includes an electric motor that drives a mechanism to disengage and engage the fixing, eliminating the need for manual operation at the lateral side of the seat, thus reducing the structural width requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromechanical actuator as an intermediary between the control system and the fixing mechanism. This actuator can be positioned centrally or remotely actuated, serving as a mediator that transfers the adjustment command to the backrest inclination mechanism without requiring direct manual intervention at the lateral side, thereby freeing up space for protective devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the actuating lever or hand wheel is positioned for comfortable manual operation, then ease of actuation is improved, but the distance to the vehicle side wall increases which restricts space for side airbags and protective devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfortable actuation of adjustment mechanismVSAvoidspace for lateral impact protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical actuation system is replaced with an electromechanical actuator that can be controlled from a remote position or integrated into the seat structure. This substitution allows the control interface to be positioned ergonomically without requiring physical space at the lateral side of the seat, thus preserving space for side airbags and protective devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation control is moved from the lateral dimension (where it would occupy space next to the seat) to another dimension - either vertically integrated into the seat structure or remotely controlled via buttons on the door panel or center console. This dimensional shift allows comfortable operation without encroaching on the lateral space needed for protective devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed joint component and pivotable joint component are used with a pivot axis, then the backrest inclination adjustment mechanism is established, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackrest inclination adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructure of adjustment and fixing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adjustment mechanism and the fixing mechanism into a single integrated unit. The electromechanical actuator is coupled directly to the fixing mechanism, combining multiple functions (adjustment initiation and locking) into one compact assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full adaptability for backrest inclination adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromechanical actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as the driving force for inclination adjustment, provides the locking mechanism through its fixing component, and can be integrated with the seat's existing electrical systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining adjustment versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8845029B2Backrest adjustment device for a vehicle seat or a vehicle bench seat

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A backrest adjustment device is provided for a vehicle seat or a vehicle bench seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat or a motor vehicle bench seat, in which a backrest part is connected to a seat part via an adjustment and fixing device, which has a fixing, which is disengaged for the inclination adjustment of the backrest part, the fixing of the adjustment and fixing device being disengaged by an electromechanical actuator.