Recliner Guide Plate Tolerance Compensation via Plastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat recliner mechanisms often experience unwanted movement between the seatback and seat bottom due to tolerances between components, affecting the perceived quality and functionality when in the locked position.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of support members, impression blocks, and presses to adjust the guide plate's dimensions by moving material into gaps, reducing the width of recesses and thereby minimizing movement between components when the recliner mechanism is locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing methods are used for the recliner heart components, then manufacturing cost and time are reduced, but tolerances between components allow unwanted movement when locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing material displacement during the manufacturing process itself. The press moves material into the gap between the guide plate and block before final assembly, pre-establishing the precise dimensional relationship that would otherwise require post-manufacturing adjustment or tighter manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and dimensional parameters of the guide plate through controlled material displacement. By applying force with the press, the material flows into the gap, changing the effective width of the recess and creating a precise fit that reduces tolerance-induced movement without requiring inherently tighter manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If material is moved into gaps to reduce recess width, then movement between components is restricted, but additional manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manufacturing of the guide plate with the tolerance compensation process. By integrating the material displacement operation into the manufacturing sequence, the patent combines what could be separate operations (manufacturing + adjustment) into a unified process, achieving reliable locked position stability without requiring additional complex post-processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The press acts as an intermediary tool that enables controlled material displacement. This intermediary device allows the manufacturing process to achieve precise dimensional control without requiring the guide plate or blocks themselves to be more complex. The press mediates between the manufacturing equipment and the final component geometry.
3Manufacturing precision
If tighter tolerances are enforced on guide plate and block dimensions, then seatback movement is restricted when locked, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the material itself to perform the adjustment function. The material of the guide plate is displaced into the gap to create the precise fit, using the material's own plasticity and flow characteristics to achieve the dimensional precision that would otherwise require tighter manufacturing tolerances and longer machining cycles.
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 approach effectively restricts unwanted movement between the seatback and seat bottom when locked, enhancing the perceived quality and functionality of the seat assembly while reducing manufacturing costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
applying a force to the first block such that material of the guide plate moves into the gap formed between the guide plate and the second block
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a recliner heart may include supporting a guide plate of the recliner heart with a first support member, positioning a first block onto the guide plate opposite the first support member, positioning a second block in a recess of the guide plate, and applying a force to the first block. The second block may be disposed in the recess such that a gap is formed between the guide plate and the second block. A force may be applied to the first block such that material of the guide plate moves into the gap formed between the guide plate and the second block.