Vehicle Seat Actuator Assembly for Automated Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seating systems require manual effort to convert between seating and cargo configurations, lacking efficient and automated solutions for adjusting seat positions.
Innovation Solution
A seat control system with an actuator assembly and motor that adjusts the upper seat assembly relative to the lower seat assembly between upright and folded positions, controlled by a sensor and control unit for automated positioning and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to convert seat positions, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuator assembly that includes a motor, sensor assembly, and control unit. The sensor assembly detects seat position and the control unit automatically actuates the motor to adjust the upper seat assembly, eliminating the need for manual lever operation while maintaining mechanical reliability through the actuator's engagement and disengagement mechanisms.
2Productivity
If automated control system is added, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensor assembly continuously monitors the position of the upper seat assembly and provides information to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to determine when the seat has reached the desired position and when to engage or disengage the motor, enabling automated operation without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is designed to automatically engage and disengage the motor based on seat position feedback from the sensor assembly. The system serves itself by automatically controlling the motor's engagement state without requiring external intervention, thereby improving productivity while limiting complexity growth through self-regulating mechanisms.
3Reliability
If motor engagement mechanism is added for secure locking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an actuator assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the upper seat assembly. This actuator assembly includes engagement and disengagement mechanisms that securely lock the motor in specific positions, providing reliable mechanical locking while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a single integrated actuator component.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling movement of a seat in a vehicle includes a lower seat assembly and an upper seat assembly adjustable relative to the lower seat assembly. An actuator assembly pivotally attached between the lower seat assembly and upper seat assembly selectively adjusts the upper seat assembly relative to the lower seat assembly between at least one upright position and at least one folded position. A control unit selectively actuates a motor and the actuator assembly to control movement of the upper seat assembly relative to the lower seat assembly. The control unit adjusts the position of the actuator assembly to releasably secure the motor in response to the position value detected by a sensor assembly to place the upper seat assembly in position relative to the lower seat assembly.