Elliptical Pivot Bushing for Smooth Seat Back Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assembly pivot mechanisms face challenges in smooth rotational movement and secure mounting due to the lack of an effective bushing design that accommodates the elliptical configuration of pivot pins, leading to potential misalignment and increased friction.
Innovation Solution
A bushing with a bearing wall extending partially around an axis, featuring an elliptical opening defined by inner and outer sides, and walls that extend away from the axis to securely receive and rotate pivot pins, ensuring smooth movement and proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional circular bushing is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pivot pin cannot be properly aligned and friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing opening is designed with an elliptical cross-section instead of a circular one, creating an asymmetric geometry that matches the elliptical pivot pin. This asymmetric configuration enables proper alignment between the pivot pin and bushing opening, eliminating misalignment issues while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing opening parameters are specifically designed with different major and minor axis dimensions to match the elliptical pivot pin geometry. By changing the geometric parameters from circular to elliptical with specific dimension ratios, the alignment accuracy is improved without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
2Reliability
If a bushing without extended walls is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the pivot pin cannot be securely mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is segmented into distinct functional walls: a bearing wall that extends partially around the axis to provide secure mounting, and additional walls that extend away from the axis to create mounting surfaces. This segmentation allows the bushing to be securely mounted while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes
3Reliability
If the bearing wall extends fully around the axis, then the pivot pin is securely constrained, but rotational movement becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing wall extends only partially around the axis rather than forming a complete circle, providing just enough constraint to secure the pivot pin while leaving sufficient opening for smooth rotational movement. This partial extension achieves the minimum necessary constraint without excessive restriction of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing design transitions from a static fully-enclosed structure to a dynamic partially-open structure where the bearing wall provides constraint during stationary phases but allows free movement during rotation. The partial extension of the bearing wall enables the structure to adapt between constrained and unconstrained states
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing having a bearing wall that extends partially around an axis. The bearing wall may include a first end surface, a second end surface, and an inner side that may extend from the first end surface to the second end surface. The inner side may define the bushing opening having an elliptical configuration.