Integrated Plate Spring Seat Slide Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat slide devices for vehicles face challenges with poor assemblability and increased part count due to separate biasing mechanisms for lock members and operation handles, leading to instability and difficulty in fitting lock portions without gaps, which can result in deformation and disengagement under impact.
Innovation Solution
A seat slide device with a lock member integrated into a plate spring, featuring a swing fulcrum portion, rear biasing portion for lock teeth, and front biasing portion for the operation handle, reducing the number of parts and improving assemblability by using a single spring member to bias both the lock teeth and operation handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate biasing mechanisms are provided for lock member and operation handle, then biasing functions are achieved, but number of parts increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lock member and operation handle into a single integrated lock assembly. The lock member includes both the lock portion that engages with the rail and the operation handle portion, eliminating the need for separate biasing mechanisms for each component. This merging reduces part count while maintaining the necessary biasing functions through integrated elastic deformation of the lock member body.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as both the locking mechanism and the operation handle. The integrated structure performs multiple functions (locking, releasing, and providing operational leverage) through a single component, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable biasing through the elastic properties of the unified lock member.
2Strength
If lock portions are set to be tightly fitted without gaps, then lock strength is improved, but difficulty of assembly increases and deformation may occur under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different engagement characteristics to different lock portions based on their functional requirements. The frontmost lock portion is designed with tight fitting (without gaps) to provide primary locking strength and eliminate backlash, while other lock portions are designed with loose fitting (with gaps) to facilitate easier assembly and accommodate manufacturing tolerances. This local differentiation of engagement quality optimizes both lock strength and assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member is divided into multiple lock portions (frontmost lock portion and other lock portions) that engage with corresponding lock grooves at different positions. This segmentation allows each lock portion to be optimized for its specific function: the frontmost portion for strong locking engagement, and other portions for assembly facilitation and tolerance accommodation.
3Reliability
If operation handle is inserted deep into gap space to engage with lock member, then coupling is achieved, but assemblability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the operation handle and lock member into a single integrated lock assembly, the patent eliminates the need for deep insertion and coupling between separate components. The integrated structure ensures functional coupling is achieved through the unified design, while assembly is simplified to a single installation step, dramatically improving assemblability.
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 configuration enhances the stability and lock strength by ensuring consistent engagement of lock teeth with lock grooves, reducing deformation, and improving the ease of assembly and operation handle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a lock member (117) attached to the upper rail and including a lock portion (125b) biased in a lock direction in which the lock portion engages with the locked portion (127)
Implementation Method 2
a front biasing portion (141) located in front of the base in the vehicle front-rear direction and configured to bias the operation handle upward
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A release lever includes: a release pressing portion pressing a portion around a lock portion of a plate spring to release an engagement of the lock portion with a locked portion; an operation portion located in a front side of the release lever and operated by a lock release operation of an operation handle; and a swing fulcrum portion provided between the release pressing portion and the operation portion. The plate spring integrally includes: a base including the swing fulcrum portion and fixed to an upper rail; a rear biasing portion located behind the base in a vehicle front-rear direction and biasing the lock portion in a lock direction; and a front biasing portion located in front of the base in the vehicle front-rear direction and biasing the operation handle upward. The front biasing portion has a biasing force smaller than that of the rear biasing portion.