Modular Vehicle Seat Track for Manual-to-Electric Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of vehicle seat tracks is hindered by the high cost and weight of electric seat tracks, leading to increased development costs due to the need for separate development of electric and manual seat tracks.
Innovation Solution
A seat track device that allows an electric rail module to be easily attached to and detached from a manual seat track, enabling conversion from a manual to an electric seat track without separate development of the electric seat track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric seat track is developed separately from a manual seat track, then the convenience and specifications of the seat are upgraded, but the development cost is excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric rail module with the manual seat track structure into a single integrated system. The electric rail module includes a motor, lead screw, and nut assembly that can be mounted directly onto the existing manual seat track rails, merging the electric actuation system with the mechanical rail structure to eliminate the need for separate electric and manual seat track developments
Solution Approach 2:
The seat track system is designed with universal compatibility where the same rail structure can serve both manual and electric operating modes. The manual seat track provides the structural framework and sliding mechanism, while the electric rail module provides powered actuation, allowing the same base structure to fulfill multiple functions depending on whether manual or electric operation is selected
2Ease of operation
If an electric seat track is developed separately from a manual seat track, then the convenience of sliding operation is increased, but the manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electric seat track system is segmented into modular components: the manual seat track structure (rails, brackets) and the electric rail module (motor, lead screw, nut assembly). This segmentation allows the electric components to be manufactured separately and then assembled onto the existing manual track structure, reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to developing a complete electric seat track from scratch
3Shape
If the power module rail is embedded inside the vehicle, then the aesthetic appearance is improved and physical interference is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power module rail components (motor, lead screw, nut assembly) are nested within the vehicle's existing structural cavities and spaces. The electric rail module is positioned within the seat track structure itself, utilizing the space between the rails and the vehicle body, thereby embedding the components without requiring additional external space or significantly complicating the overall vehicle structure
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
This solution reduces development costs by allowing conversion to an electric seat track without separate development, while also improving the aesthetic appearance and preventing physical interference or passenger discomfort by embedding the power module rail within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw disposed in parallel to the seat track, and configured to rotate by the power of the drive part; and a nut member fixed to the module bracket and into which the lead screw may be inserted, and configured to rectilinearly move together with the module bracket in response to rotation of the lead screw
Data Source
AI summary
A seat track device of a vehicle is proposed. The seat track device is configured to enable an electric rail module to be attached to and detached from a manual seat track to easily perform the conversion from the manual seat track to an electric seat track. The seat track device includes a seat track including a lower rail and an upper rail that slides along the lower rail, and a power rail module including a module bracket that is removably coupled to both of the upper rail and a seat, the power rail module being configured to transmit power of a drive part to the module bracket so as to allow the upper rail to slide along the lower rail in an electric manner together with the seat.