Offset Roller Seat Adjustment Assembly for Debris Jamming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Side-by-side off-road vehicles face issues with seat adjustment assemblies jamming due to debris and materials like dirt, sand, and mud entering the cockpit, impeding seat adjustment functionality.

Innovation Solution

A seat adjustment assembly featuring a frame with rollers and a partially flexible tongue mechanism, allowing for smooth movement of the seat along rails while accommodating debris and providing adjustable height through interchangeable spacers, ensuring reliable operation in off-road conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional seat adjustment assemblies are used in off-road vehicles, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but debris and materials like dirt, sand, and mud can enter the assembly causing it to jam and impede seat adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat adjustment reliabilityVSAvoiddebris contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by designing the roller contact surfaces to be offset from the lateral center, creating a passage that allows debris to pass through rather than accumulate. The harmful factor (debris) is converted from a jamming cause into a material that can be expelled through the designed passage, maintaining reliable operation in off-road conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The offset contact surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism between the rail and roller. This design creates a passage that mediates the interaction between moving parts and debris, allowing the assembly to maintain functionality even when debris is present in the operating environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the seat adjustment assembly is designed with offset contact surfaces to prevent jamming, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat adjustment reliabilityVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by modifying only the specific contact surface geometry of the rollers rather than redesigning the entire assembly. The offset contact surfaces are a localized change that prevents jamming without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire seat adjustment system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing the contact surfaces to meet at the center (traditional approach), the patent inverts the design by offsetting them from the lateral center. This inversion creates the beneficial passage for debris ejection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed height seats are used, then the structure is simpler, but adaptability to different user preferences and conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat height adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the seat height adjustable rather than fixed. The interchangeable spacer system allows the seat height to be dynamically changed based on user preferences and driving conditions, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seat adjustment assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the primary seat adjustment mechanism and accommodates height adjustment through interchangeable spacers. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without requiring entirely separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution ensures smooth and reliable seat adjustment in off-road vehicles by preventing jamming from debris and allowing for height adjustment, enhancing user convenience and vehicle performance in challenging environments.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one rail contacting contact surfaces of the roller, the contact surfaces of the roller being offset from a lateral center of the roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11383622B2Seat adjustment assembly and vehicle with adjustable seats

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PROD INC

AI summary

A seat adjustment assembly, and a seat and vehicle including same, are described. The seat adjustment assembly includes an assembly frame being adapted for connecting to a seat; at least one first roller rotatably connected to the at least one wall; and at least one second roller rotatably connected to the at least one wall, the assembly frame and the rollers defining a cavity, the at least one first roller being disposed generally above the cavity, the at least one second roller being disposed generally below the cavity, for each roller, when contact surfaces of the roller are in contact with a rail disposed in the cavity, the contact surfaces of the roller being offset from a lateral center of the roller, the roller and the rail defining a passage between the rail and the lateral center of the roller.