Vehicle Seat Actuating Device Cable Drum Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fitting systems face challenges in transmitting stroke movements between parts that pivot relative to each other, often requiring Bowden cables, which are disadvantageous in certain applications, necessitating an improved actuating device for adjustable vehicle seats.
Innovation Solution
A cable mechanism actuating device comprising two roller-like segments, a deflecting element as a pulley, and a transmission means as a cable or strap, which converts rotational movement into a stroke movement, allowing for the actuation of mechanisms like rail locks and rotary latch locks, and is kinematically coupled to parts that pivot relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bowden cables are used to transmit stroke movement between pivoting parts, then the connection can be established, but the friction increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable drum as an intermediary component between the cable and the pivoting part. The cable drum rotates with the pivoting part, and the cable is wound around it. This intermediary mechanism allows the cable to transmit force more efficiently by reducing sliding friction, as the cable moves with the rotation rather than sliding against a fixed surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable drum utilizes the rotational movement of the pivoting part itself to wind and unwind the cable. The system serves itself by using the motion that needs to be transmitted to also drive the mechanism that reduces friction, eliminating the need for additional active components to maintain cable tension and positioning.
2Reliability
If Bowden cables are used to transmit stroke movement, then the connection can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable anchoring function with the rotating element by integrating the cable drum into the pivoting assembly. Instead of having separate components for cable support and rotation, the cable drum serves both purposes, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable drum performs multiple functions: it serves as a rotational element that moves with the pivoting part, a cable support structure, and a friction-reducing mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the operating stroke is transmitted continuously from movable part to immovable part, then the fitting can be unlocked, but the force flux is disadvantageously influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or circular cable path around the cable drum, which rotates with the movable part. This curved configuration allows the cable to follow the rotational motion, distributing the force more effectively and reducing peak stresses compared to a straight-line continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static cable arrangement to a dynamic one where the cable drum rotates with the movable part. This dynamic configuration allows the cable tension and angle to adjust automatically during operation, optimizing force transmission and reducing disadvantageous force flux conditions.
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 actuating device efficiently transmits operating movements between seat parts, reducing friction and enhancing efficiency by compensating for rotational movements, and can be used in various vehicle seat configurations, including height adjustment and locking mechanisms, without the limitations of Bowden cables.
Implementation Method 1
A cable mechanism is proposed, consisting of two roller-like segments, a deflecting element in the form of a pulley and a transmission means in the form of a cable or strap. It converts rotational movement into a stroke movement
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating device (100) has a first part (5a; 334; 434) and a second part (5b; 310; 412) which can be pivoted about a first axis (A) relative to the first part (5a). A first segment (140) can be coupled to the first part. A second segment (150) can be rotated about the first axis (A) relative to the first segment (140) and can be connected to a locking device of a component (20) and/or to a locking device (350; 450) of another component (330; 430). Rotation of a deflecting element (120) moves a transfer element (130) such that the second segment (150) is not rotated about the first axis (A). Changing a distance between the first axis (A) and a second axis © allows the second segment (150) to be rotated about the first axis by the transfer element (130). A vehicle seat includes such an actuating device (100).