Modular Adapter Arrangement for Electric Drive Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapter arrangements for securing electric drive units to vehicle seat frames are inflexible, allowing only fixed positioning, limiting their compatibility with differently constructed seat frames.
Innovation Solution
An adapter arrangement comprising two adapter elements that can be oriented and secured relative to each other via stepless rotation, enabling flexible positioning and securing of electric drive units to various vehicle seat frames through a modular system with standardized and application-specific adapter elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed adapter arrangement is used to secure the drive unit to the seat frame, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to different seat frame constructions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter arrangement is divided into two separate adapter elements: a first adapter element that connects to the drive unit and a second adapter element that connects to the seat frame. These elements can be independently designed and manufactured, allowing customization for different applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first adapter element is designed as a universal interface that can connect to different drive unit types, while the second adapter element can be customized for specific seat frame constructions. This multi-functionality allows the same basic adapter arrangement to serve multiple purposes across different vehicle seat applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter elements are secured in fixed positions, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simple, but the ability to optimize the interface for different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter elements are designed to be rotatable relative to each other about a common rotation axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the interface orientation. This enables optimization of the drive unit interface for different seat frame constructions while maintaining a relatively simple assembly process through standardized connection mechanisms.
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
Enables secure, adaptable mounting of electric drive units to different vehicle seat frames, optimizing the interface between the drive unit and seat frame for adjustable mechanisms like height adjustment, allowing for standardization and project-specific adaptation without altering the drive unit or seat frame.
Implementation Method 1
the two adapter elements can be orientated relative to each other by means of a stepless rotation about a common rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
The securing of the adapter elements to each other is carried out, for example, in a materially bonding, form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, for example, by means of welding of the two adapter elements to each other, in particular by means of laser welding
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter arrangement (7), fastening a first component (K1) to a second component (K2), includes two adapter elements (7.1, 7.2). The first adapter element (7.1) is configured to be fastened to the first component (K1). The second adapter element (7.2) is configured to be fastened to the second component (K2). The two adapter elements (7.1, 7.2) are positionable in at least two different positions relative to each other and are fastenable to each other. The first adapter element (7.1) is configured as a gear plate (4) for the first component (K1) configured as a an electric drive unit (1) of an adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat. A method for producing the adapter arrangement (7), a modular system for the adapter arrangement (7), to a drive arrangement (9) and a method for the production thereof, and a vehicle seat (10) are also provided.