Compact Linear Dampener Using Lead Screw Rotary Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear struts in automotive seat assemblies are excessively long due to the space required for compressing the dampening range, making it difficult to reposition the seat assembly between upright and storage positions.
Innovation Solution
A compact linear dampener with a rotary mechanism, including a rotary dampener, lead screw, and nut configuration, which dampens the rotation speed of the lead screw to control seat movement, reducing the overall packaging size while maintaining smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional linear strut is used to control seat movement, then the dampening function is achieved, but the packaging space becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear compression motion into a rotational motion mechanism. The lead screw converts the linear movement of the nut into rotational movement of the rotor shaft, allowing the dampener to achieve its dampening function in a compact packaging space by operating in a different dimensional mode (rotation rather than linear compression).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional gas or spring-based linear dampening system with a mechanical rotary dampening system using a lead screw and nut mechanism. This substitution allows for more efficient space utilization while maintaining the dampening function through mechanical friction and geometric constraints.
2Volume of moving object
If the linear dampener packaging space is reduced, then the seat assembly becomes more compact, but the smooth operation and control of seat movement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the linear movement of the nut and the rotational movement of the rotor shaft. This intermediary converts the motion types and allows the dampener to provide smooth, controlled movement while maintaining a compact structure, as the screw threads distribute the motion control across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from linear compression distance to rotational angle and linear travel of the nut along the screw. By altering the motion parameters and using a lead screw with specific pitch and thread geometry, the system achieves smooth operation with reduced packaging space requirements.
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 compact linear dampener provides efficient and smooth repositioning of the seat assembly with reduced packaging space, allowing for easier movement between upright and storage positions.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary dampener dampens the rotation speed of the lead screw as the lead screw rotates to control movement of the rotating member relative to the fixed member
Implementation Method 2
a lead screw fixedly coupled to the rotor shaft and rotatably coupled to the distal end of the linear dampener, a nut meshingly engaged with the lead screw and configured to travel along the lead screw wherein the nut traveling along the lead screw causes the lead screw to rotate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle has a fixed member, a rotating member pivotally coupled to the fixed member, and a linear dampener having a proximal end and a distal end fixedly coupled to the rotating member. The linear dampener includes a rotary dampener having a rotor shaft, a lead screw fixedly coupled to the rotor shaft, and a nut meshingly engaged with the lead screw and configured to travel along the lead screw causing the lead screw to rotate. The seat assembly includes an activation link pivotally coupled to the nut and pivotally coupled to the fixed member. Pivoting the rotating member causes the nut to travel along the lead screw causing the lead screw to rotate at a rotation speed and the rotary dampener dampens the rotation speed of the lead screw as the lead screw rotates to dampen the pivotal movement of the rotating member relative to the fixed member.