Improved seat height adjustment device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat height adjustment devices face challenges in enhancing structural strength due to limited height and obscured screw heads when trying to enlarge the clutch mechanism, making it difficult to install and fix the device securely to a seat with fixed mounting holes.

Innovation Solution

A seat height adjustment device with a coaxially arranged clutch and brake mechanism, where the clutch mechanism's cover is enlarged radially to obscure the mounting holes, allowing for enhanced structural strength and easy installation using tools like a screwdriver or wrench, without increasing the device's height or altering the mounting hole positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the outer diameter of the clutch mechanism is increased to enhance structural strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the screw heads become obscured and cannot be accessed by installation tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidaccessibility of screw heads
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from radial enlargement to axial enlargement. Instead of increasing the outer diameter radially (which obscures screw heads), the clutch mechanism is extended in the axial direction. This dimensional change allows the screw heads to remain accessible from the radial direction while still achieving enhanced structural strength through the extended clutch mechanism structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the height of the seat height adjusting device is increased to enhance structural strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the device cannot be installed in seats with limited space between the seat and car body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcompatibility with seat mounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional change by shifting the structural reinforcement from the vertical height direction to the radial direction. The clutch mechanism is extended radially outward, allowing structural strength to be enhanced without increasing the height of the device. This maintains compatibility with seats that have limited clearance between the seat and car body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the outer diameter of the clutch mechanism is increased radially, then the structural strength is enhanced, but the mounting hole positions become obscured and the device cannot be mounted in a general manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the direction of enlargement from radial to axial. The clutch mechanism is extended in the axial direction rather than radially, which preserves the accessibility of mounting holes from the radial direction. This allows the device to be mounted in a general manner using standard installation procedures while still achieving enhanced structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3521103B1Improved seat height adjustment device
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 HSIN CHONG MACHINERY WORKS
  • EP3521103B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3521103B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3521103B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A seat height adjustment device includes a clutch mechanism (100) and a brake mechanism (500) which are coaxially arranged. The brake mechanism includes a bracket (8), and the bracket has a plurality of fastening components (9) that can be separately fixed corresponding to each of the mounting holes and cannot rotate with respect to the bracket (8). Each fastening component has a connecting end (91) connected to the bracket. The clutch mechanism includes a cover (1) having an outer diameter enlarged with respect to each of the connecting ends. The cover is combined corresponding with the bracket and partially or completely obscuring the connecting ends. Thereby the structure strength of the seat height adjusting device can be enhanced, and the seat height adjusting device can be installed and fixed to the seat in a general manner.