Flexible Stability Rollers for Vehicle Seat Rail Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail drive assemblies for vehicle seats lack spring-loaded stability rollers that can absorb both vertical and lateral channel variations, are difficult to assemble due to multiple components, and do not effectively resist lateral loads.
Innovation Solution
A rail drive assembly with a flexible stability roller assembly that includes first and second stability rollers rotationally coupled to a flexible wing bracket. The flexible wing bracket has a W-shaped cross-section and is fixedly coupled to an upper channel, allowing it to absorb channel variations and resist lateral loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional stability rolling elements are used with multiple components, then the assembly provides stability, but the assembly becomes difficult to assemble and has high device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (stability rollers, brackets, springs, mounting elements) into an integrated flexible stability roller assembly. The flexible wing bracket serves as both the mounting structure and the spring element, eliminating the need for separate brackets and torsion springs. This merging of functions directly reduces the number of components and simplifies assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible wing bracket performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a spring element for absorbing channel variations, and serves as the mounting mechanism for the stability rollers. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the assembly structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid stability rollers are used, then the structure is simple, but the assembly cannot absorb vertical and lateral channel variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible wing bracket made of elastomeric material that can deform elastically to absorb channel variations. The flexible bracket acts as a compliant mounting structure that accommodates both vertical and lateral misalignments between the rail drive assembly and the fixed long rail, providing adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible wing bracket changes its physical parameters (shape, position) in response to channel variations. The elastomeric material allows the bracket to deform under load and return to its original position, dynamically adapting to vertical and lateral channel variations while maintaining stable operation.
3Strength
If stability rollers are not spring-loaded in lateral direction, then the structure is simpler, but the assembly cannot resist lateral loads applied to the vehicle seat
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible wing bracket made of elastomeric material provides lateral load resistance through its inherent flexibility and elastic properties. The bracket deforms laterally under applied loads and returns to its original position when the load is removed, providing continuous lateral support without requiring separate spring elements or complex mechanical structures.
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 flexible stability roller assembly effectively absorbs both vertical and lateral channel variations, is easier to assemble with fewer components, and provides resistance to lateral loads, enhancing the stability and adjustability of vehicle seats.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible wing bracket has a generally W-shaped cross-section in profile with the first and second wing portions extending at a first angle from adjacent first and second side portions, respectively, and the first and second side portions extending at a second angle from a center portion. The center portion of the flexible wing bracket is fixedly coupled to the upper channel.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible stability roller assembly has first and second stability rollers rotationally coupled to respective first and second wing portions of a flexible wing bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A long rail assembly for repositioning a vehicle seat in a vehicle includes a fixed long rail and a rail drive assembly configured to be repositionable along the fixed long rail. The rail drive assembly includes an upper channel and a flexible stability roller assembly. The flexible stability roller assembly has first and second stability rollers rotationally coupled to respective first and second wing portions of a flexible wing bracket. The flexible wing bracket has a generally W-shaped cross-section in profile with the first and second wing portions extending at a first angle from adjacent first and second side portions, respectively, and the first and second side portions extending at a second angle from a center portion. The center portion of the flexible wing bracket is fixedly coupled to the upper channel.