Nested Spring Eccentric Fitting for Vehicle Seat Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fittings face challenges in withstanding high loads, particularly when integrated with seatbelts, due to asymmetrical force distribution and limited construction space, which affects their locking mechanism's efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A fitting design featuring centrally arranged and nested springs that act symmetrically on an eccentric, eliminating transverse forces and allowing for additional locking elements, thereby enhancing load-bearing capacity and versatility, with the springs positioned in a central cutout of the first fitting part and offset axially to accommodate the eccentric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If asymmetrical spring arrangements are used to act on the eccentric, then the locking mechanism can be simpler, but transverse forces cause lateral displacement reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it uses symmetrical arrangement of multiple springs around the axis to eliminate transverse forces. The springs are positioned at different angular positions (e.g., 90 degrees apart) but with identical structural characteristics, creating a balanced force distribution that prevents lateral displacement of the eccentric while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses counterbalancing principles by arranging springs to offset each other's transverse force components. Each spring's transverse force is counteracted by another spring positioned symmetrically, creating a net zero transverse force on the eccentric, thereby preventing lateral displacement while maintaining reliable locking
2Strength
If more locking elements are added to increase load-bearing capacity, then the fitting can handle higher loads, but the construction space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nesting by placing multiple springs in a compact central arrangement where they occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently. The springs are positioned to utilize the same radial space from the axis, allowing multiple locking elements to be accommodated within a limited construction area without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane spring arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration where springs are distributed in three-dimensional space around the axis at different angular positions and potentially different axial levels. This allows multiple locking elements to be packed more densely by utilizing spatial dimensions rather than just radial expansion
3Area of stationary object
If the spring arrangement is positioned close to the locking elements to save space, then construction space is optimized, but transverse forces increase causing eccentric displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses symmetrical positioning of springs at specific angular intervals around the axis to ensure that transverse force components cancel each other out. This balanced arrangement allows the springs to be positioned close to the locking elements for space efficiency while maintaining eccentric stability through force equilibrium
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 design ensures the fitting remains centered and effective under load, providing increased strength and versatility by preventing lateral displacement and optimizing space for additional locking elements, making it suitable for high-load applications like belt-integral seats.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring arrangement for acting upon the eccentric, wherein the spring arrangement includes springs
Implementation Method 2
the springs are centrally arranged and nested one inside the other
Implementation Method 3
a drivable eccentric that is mounted for rotating about the axis; at least two locking elements that are guided in the radial direction with respect to the axis by the first fitting part, can be moved radially outward under the action of the eccentric
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first fitting part; a second fitting part which can be rotated about an axis in relation to the first fitting part; an eccentric which is rotationally mounted about the axis and which can be driven; at least two locking devices, which are guided in a radial direction by the first fitting part, can be displaced in a radial direction in an outward manner by the eccentric and which co-operate in a radial manner towards the outside with the second fitting part in order to lock the fitting; and at least one spring arrangement (17) which impinges upon the eccentric. The spring arrangement (17) comprises two springs (27, 28) which are arranged in a central manner and are placed within each other.