Modular Carrier Element for Vehicle Seat Rail Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail adjustment systems for vehicle seats require multiple holding elements and drive shafts to accommodate different track gauges, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complex assembly processes due to limited tolerance compensation.
Innovation Solution
A modular carrier element system with shiftable parts of varying profiles, allowing for interlocking connections to accommodate different track gauges, featuring tubular or box-like designs with adjustable lengths and reinforcement ribs for stability and weight minimization, enabling easy assembly and adaptation to various rail pair configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holding elements and drive shafts are provided to accommodate different track gauges, then the system can support various rail pair configurations, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is divided into multiple modular sections that can be selectively combined or removed. The drive shaft is segmented into modular segments that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the same basic components to accommodate various track gauges without requiring completely separate holding elements for each gauge, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features that allow it to dynamically adapt to different track gauges. The drive shaft includes telescopic or extendable sections that can be adjusted to match different distances between rail pairs. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for multiple fixed-configuratio holding elements, reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving compatibility across different seat configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holding elements are manufactured for different track gauges, then all market-standard seats can be accommodated, but manufacturing costs and stockkeeping expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple track gauge configurations through its modular and adjustable features. A single universal holding element design can accommodate various market-standard seats by reconfiguring its modular sections, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple specialized holding elements for different gauges. This universality significantly reduces manufacturing costs and inventory requirements while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element incorporates adjustable parameters such as variable length sections, reconfigurable mounting positions, and adaptable connection points. These parameter changes allow the same holding element to be configured for different track gauges as needed, rather than requiring separate fixed-gauge components. This approach enables a single design to cover all market-standard seats while minimizing manufacturing and stockkeeping expenses.
3Weight of moving object
If the carrier element is made lightweight with minimal material, then weight is reduced, but structural stability and strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier element is constructed using composite materials that combine lightweight properties with high strength-to-weight ratio. These composite materials provide the necessary structural stability and load-bearing capacity while keeping the overall weight minimal. This allows the carrier element to be lightweight without compromising its ability to support and stabilize the seat assembly across different track gauge configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier element is divided into strategically placed structural sections where material is concentrated in high-stress areas and minimized in low-stress areas. This segmented approach ensures that strength is provided exactly where needed while minimizing overall material usage and weight. Critical load-bearing sections maintain full structural integrity, while non-critical sections use reduced material to minimize weight.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment system for a vehicle seat with two rail pairs aligned in longitudinal vehicle direction, which are connected with each other via a carrier element oriented in transverse vehicle direction, which carries an electromotive driving device which via drive shafts is connected with a longitudinal adjustment device of the rail pairs. For use with different track gages of the rail pairs, the carrier element is formed as multipart element with at least two carrier element parts shiftable against each other in transverse vehicle direction.