Hybrid Roller-Ball Retainer for Vehicle Seat Linear Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional longitudinal adjustment devices for vehicle seats face challenges in achieving a balance between low wear, brinelling resistance, and smooth sliding, as they either rely solely on balls or rollers, which have respective weaknesses such as high wear and brinelling or increased rolling resistance.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid retainer design that combines rollers and balls in the same bearing area, with rollers positioned where high loads are expected and balls providing bulk support, allowing for adjustable placement to optimize performance based on application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only balls are used as rolling elements, then sliding resistance is reduced and smooth adjustment is achieved, but wear and brinelling increase particularly at end positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different rolling element types (balls and rollers) in different local positions within the same linear guide. Balls are positioned in high-load areas to reduce sliding resistance, while rollers are positioned in areas prone to brinelling and wear, particularly near end positions, to provide enhanced durability locally where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different rolling element systems (balls and rollers) into a single hybrid linear guide assembly. This combination allows the system to simultaneously benefit from the low sliding resistance of balls and the high brinelling resistance of rollers, resolving the contradiction between smooth operation and durability.
2Reliability
If only rollers are used as rolling elements, then brinelling and wear are reduced due to higher surface area, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically places rollers in specific local positions where brinelling and wear are most likely to occur, such as near the end positions of the linear guide. Balls are placed in other positions where low sliding resistance is more critical. This localized distribution optimizes the overall performance by addressing different requirements in different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid combination of rollers and balls in the same linear guide allows the system to achieve both low rolling resistance (from balls) and high brinelling resistance (from rollers), simultaneously satisfying both contradictory requirements that cannot be met by using a single rolling element type.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed number of rolling elements is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different load conditions and positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a degree of flexibility and adjustability in the arrangement of rolling elements. Rather than a completely fixed configuration, the system allows for dynamic optimization of rolling element placement based on specific application requirements, load conditions, and position demands, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customized local configurations of rolling elements to match specific load conditions and positional requirements. Different numbers and types of rolling elements can be deployed in different segments of the linear guide based on where maximum loads occur, providing adaptability without completely sacrificing manufacturing simplicity.
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 hybrid design achieves reduced wear, minimized brinelling, and smooth sliding, ensuring stability and convenience in daily use and extreme situations while maintaining mechanical strength and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a linear guide extending in the longitudinal direction and disposed between the first rail and the second rail in a bearing area, wherein the linear guide comprises a retainer and a plurality of rolling elements
Data Source
AI summary
An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat comprises a first rail 2 and a second rail 1 movably guided relative to the first rail 2. A linear guide 5 extending in the longitudinal direction is disposed between the two rails 1, 2 in a bearing area, wherein the linear guide 5 comprises a retainer 6 and a plurality of rolling elements 70, 71. The retainer 6 comprises a side wall 60, a plurality of recesses 66 being formed in the side wall 60. The rolling elements 70, 71 are supported in the recesses 66 of the retainer 6 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. According to the invention the rolling elements include a set of rolling elements consisting of at least one roller 71 and at least one ball 70.