Flexible Spindle Seat Cushion Adjuster for Compact Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor-driven seat cushion length adjusting devices are bulky, heavy, complex, and costly, with rigid linear actuators prone to breakage under load, making them unsuitable for compact and adaptable solutions in vehicle seats.
Innovation Solution
A compact seat cushion length adjusting device using a flexible spindle with a wire helix core and speed reduction gearing, allowing a lightweight electric motor, modular design, and easy installation, with a resilient spindle that deforms under axial loads and features a modular design with a worm gear output for efficient torque and speed reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid linear actuators are used for seat cushion length adjustment, then the adjusting device provides sufficient strength and stability, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional rigid linear actuator with a flexible spindle mechanism driven by a rotary motor. The flexible spindle converts rotational motion into linear displacement through its elastic deformation and unwinding, eliminating the need for complex rigid mechanical linkages and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sufficient strength for seat adjustment applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible spindle made of elastic material that can deform under load and return to its original position. This flexible component replaces traditional rigid mechanical structures, enabling a more compact and simpler adjusting device that still provides the necessary strength and stability for seat cushion length adjustment
2Strength
If conventional rigid linear actuators are used for seat cushion length adjustment, then the adjusting device provides sufficient strength and stability, but the device increases in size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy rigid linear actuators with a lightweight flexible spindle mechanism. The elastic spindle and rotary motor combination provides sufficient adjusting force with significantly reduced weight, as the flexible spindle can store and release mechanical energy through elastic deformation rather than requiring heavy mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the spindle from rigid to flexible, allowing it to operate in the elastic deformation range. This parameter change enables the use of lighter materials and smaller dimensions while maintaining the strength required for seat adjustment, as the elastic properties allow the component to withstand loads without requiring excessive mass
3Strength
If conventional rigid linear actuators are used for seat cushion length adjustment, then the adjusting device is sturdy, but it becomes prone to breakage under seating loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible spindle made of elastic material that can deform under load and return to its original position. This flexibility allows the spindle to absorb shock and stress from seating loads without permanent deformation or breakage, significantly improving reliability compared to rigid actuators that are more susceptible to catastrophic failure under unexpected loads
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the flexible spindle provide inherent cushioning against overload conditions. When excessive forces are applied during seating, the spindle deforms elastically to absorb the shock, preventing the transmission of damaging peak loads to other components and reducing the risk of breakage before it occurs
4Extent of automation
If conventional motor-driven adjusting devices are used, then automated control is achieved, but the device becomes complex and costly to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a straightforward rotary motor driving a flexible spindle. This substitution maintains automated control capability while dramatically simplifying the mechanical structure, reducing the number of components, and making the device easier and less costly to install in vehicle seats
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 compact, lightweight, and cost-effective seat cushion length adjusting mechanism that is durable under loads, easy to install, and adaptable to different customer needs, enhancing user comfort and reducing the risk of breakage.
Implementation Method 1
The spindle may be a flexible spindle which deforms elastically when axial loads less than an axial load of 1200 N are applied
Implementation Method 2
The spindle may comprise a core and a wire helix wound about the core to form the external thread
Implementation Method 3
The speed reduction gearing acts as a torque increase gearbox
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A seat cushion length adjusting device (10) comprises a support (11), an adjusting member (12) displaceably mounted to the support (11) and configured for attachment to at least a portion of a seat cushion, and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the support (11) and the adjusting member (12). The actuator is configured to displace the adjusting member (12) relative to the support (11). The actuator comprises a power drive (31), a speed reduction gearing, and a motion conversion mechanism (41) for converting a rotational motion of an output of the speed reduction gearing into a linear displacement between the adjusting member (12) and the support (11).