Power Seat Rail Layout for Quiet Low-Profile Fore-Aft Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat adjustment systems face challenges in providing smooth, quiet, and efficient fore-aft position adjustment with a low profile and integrated moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A power rail system with an outer track, inner track, and a power length adjuster gear transmission, supported by a roller bearing system, utilizing a planetary gear motor to drive the elongated lead screw, and featuring self-locking dual worm or helical gear systems for precise seat adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a power rail system uses a traditional adjustment mechanism, then the seat can be adjusted fore-aft, but the profile is not low and parts are not integrated under the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The inner track is received within the outer track, creating a nested configuration where the inner track slides inside the outer track's elongated channel. The roller bearing system is nested within the channel, and the gear transmission components are integrated within the inner track structure. This nesting allows all moving parts to be contained within the space under the vehicle floor, achieving a low profile while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the outer track provides structural support and guidance, the inner track carries the seat and transmission components, the roller bearing system provides support, and the gear transmission enables adjustment. All these elements are merged into one compact assembly that fits under the floor, achieving both low profile and functional integration.
2Device complexity
If the seat adjustment system uses a simple mechanism, then the structure is compact, but the adjustment is not smooth and quiet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as manual cranks or simple screw jacks) with an electric motor-driven lead screw system. The motor provides controlled, smooth motion while the lead screw converts rotational motion to linear motion with precision. The roller bearing system reduces friction and noise, enabling smooth and quiet adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller bearing system acts as an intermediary between the moving inner track and the stationary outer track, reducing friction and noise during adjustment. The gear transmission system serves as an intermediary between the motor and the lead screw, providing controlled motion transmission. These intermediary elements enable smooth and quiet operation without significantly complicating the structure.
3Reliability
If the adjustment mechanism operates continuously to prevent unwanted movement, then stability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw and nut mechanism provides self-locking capability due to the friction between the threaded surfaces. Once the motor positions the seat, the mechanical threads maintain the position without requiring continuous motor power. The system serves itself by using the inherent friction of the threaded connection to hold the seat in place, eliminating the need for continuous energy input to maintain stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous power requirement from the system by using a self-locking mechanical transmission. The motor is only activated when adjustment is needed, and once positioned, the mechanical threads maintain the position passively. This separates the positioning function (requiring energy) from the holding function (requiring no energy), reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining stability.
4Measurement precision
If the system uses a high-precision adjustment mechanism, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces noisy mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as meshing gears or belt drives) with a lead screw and nut system. The lead screw provides precise positioning through its threaded geometry while the roller bearings support the motion with minimal noise. This substitution achieves high positioning accuracy through the precision of the thread pitch and roller bearing alignment without generating significant noise during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller bearing system serves as an intermediary that separates the precision positioning function from the noise-generating friction. The rollers provide smooth, low-friction support for the inner track, reducing noise while allowing the lead screw-nut mechanism to provide precise positioning. This intermediary element enables high accuracy without the noise penalty of direct friction-based mechanisms.
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
Enables smooth, quiet, and efficient seat adjustment with a hidden profile, maximizing motion range and integration under the vehicle floor, while preventing unwanted movement without continuous motor operation.
Implementation Method 1
The inner track is supported within the channel by a roller bearing system
Implementation Method 2
The inner track is supported within the channel by a roller bearing system
Implementation Method 3
an elongated lead screw mounted in the channel... a power length adjuster gear transmission is mounted to the inner track and drivingly engaged with the elongated lead screw
Implementation Method 4
the power length adjuster gear transmission includes an input worm gear connected to a drive motor and an output worm nut disposed on the elongated lead screw and drivingly engaged with the input worm gear
Data Source
AI summary
A power rail system for a vehicle seat includes an outer track defining an elongated channel with an elongated lead screw mounted in the channel. An inner track is received in the elongated channel and a power length adjuster gear transmission is mounted to the inner track and drivingly engaged with the elongated lead screw. A seat structure is mounted to the inner track for movement along the power rail system.