Gripper Arm with Expandable Elements for Vehicle Seat Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat installation methods, such as belt gripping systems, are imprecise, damage-sensitive, and unable to automatically introduce modern vehicle front seats into vehicle bodies due to design and safety constraints, limiting flexibility and safety in the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A gripping system with a gripper arm and a gripping device featuring spreadable gripping elements that engage form-fittingly with receiving elements on the vehicle seat, allowing secure and flexible positioning and rotation of the seat for precise insertion through a door cutout, using a combination of positive and non-positive engagement and movable contact devices for bracing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a belt gripping system is used to install vehicle seats, then the installation process can be automated, but the handling precision deteriorates and safety measures become extensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of seat installationVSAvoidhandling precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is divided into multiple independent gripping elements (at least two) that can be positioned and expanded independently. Each gripping element can engage with receiving elements at different locations on the seat, allowing precise positioning and secure gripping without requiring extensive safety measures throughout the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the belt-based mechanical gripping system with a direct engagement system using expandable gripping elements that positively engage with receiving elements on the seat. This substitution eliminates the imprecision of belt systems while maintaining automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If a seatbelt gripper is used to grip front seats, then automation is possible, but gripping capability deteriorates due to space constraints and design limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated seat installationVSAvoidgripping capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device with multiple expandable gripping elements can adapt to different seat designs and configurations. The elements can engage with receiving elements located at various positions on the seat, making the system versatile for different front seat designs while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping elements are designed to be expandable and movable, allowing the gripping device to adapt its configuration to different seat geometries. This dynamic capability enables the system to handle various seat designs without sacrificing automation or gripping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a seatbelt gripping system lifts the front seat, then installation can proceed, but entry curve simplicity deteriorates and pivoting capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidentry curve flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the belt-based lifting and pivoting mechanism with a direct mechanical engagement system. The expandable gripping elements provide secure attachment points that allow the gripper arm to perform complex movements including pivoting the seat through the door opening with the headrest leading, while maintaining installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If conventional seatbelt gripping systems are used, then installation can be performed, but reliability deteriorates due to damage risk to airbags and safety components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation capabilityVSAvoidsafety component protection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the belt-based gripping system with a direct engagement system using expandable gripping elements that positively engage with receiving elements on the seat. This substitution eliminates the risk of belt-related damage to airbags and safety components while maintaining full installation capability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2371683B1Grip system and method for positioning a vehicle seat into a vehicle chassis

Publication Date: 2019.08.21 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

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AI summary

The gripper system (1) comprises a gripper arm (2) and a gripping unit (3), which is arranged at the gripper arm for gripping of a vehicle seat (10). The gripping device comprises two gripping elements (4) which are spread apart. Two receiving elements are provided, which are formed in the transition area (14) of a seat surface (12) to a backrest surface (13) of the vehicle seat. An independent claim is also included for a method for inserting a vehicle seat into the body of a vehicle.