Electric Seat Actuator with Planetary Gear Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat folding mechanisms require manual operation, which can be unsafe due to heavy back supports and difficult access, especially in vehicles like SUVs and minivans, necessitating an automatic solution for safe and easy conversion between seating and storage positions.
Innovation Solution
An electric vehicle seat storage structure featuring a four-stage planetary gear train actuator with a DC motor and gear reduction system, allowing for automatic movement of the seat between seating and storage positions, with noise reduction and high torque output to handle heavy loads safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual folding mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to heavy back support and difficult access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical folding system with an electric actuator system. The actuator includes a motor, planetary gear train, and linkage mechanisms that automatically move the seat between seating and storage positions, eliminating the need for manual operation while handling heavy back supports safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric actuator as an intermediary device between the control system and the seat folding mechanism. This actuator serves as a mediator that converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, enabling automatic seat folding without direct human intervention on the heavy back support.
2Force
If electric actuator with high torque output is used, then force capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested planetary gear train structure where multiple gear stages are contained within each other. The four-stage planetary gear system allows compact arrangement of high reduction ratios (700:1 to 800:1) within a single actuator housing, achieving high torque output without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent orients the actuator longitudinally along the seat rather than mounting it laterally, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the seat structure. This dimensional reorganization allows the actuator to be integrated into the seat frame without excessive lateral protrusion, managing complexity through spatial optimization.
3Force
If four-stage planetary gear train is used, then torque multiplication is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise manufacturing parameters for the planetary gear train, including gear tooth profiles, pitch circle diameters, and center distances, to ensure proper meshing and load distribution across four stages. These controlled parameter changes enable high torque multiplication while maintaining acceptable manufacturing tolerances through optimized design values.
4Ease of operation
If actuator is mounted within seat storage frame, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator mounting structure with the existing seat storage frame. The actuator is integrated into the frame rather than being a separate external component, combining multiple functions into the existing structural elements and reducing overall system complexity despite adding automation capability.
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 safe, automatic, and efficient conversion of vehicle seats between seating and storage positions, reducing operator effort and improving accessibility by providing a robust and reliable actuation system with high torque output and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a four pole, two brush DC motor mounted within the motor housing to rotate a pinion gear mounted on an armature shaft
Implementation Method 2
a four stage planetary gear train, having a first stage meshed to the pinion gear, the four stage planetary gear train being further meshed to the internal gear
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vehicle seat storage structure for moving a seat between a seating position and a storage position is provided. The seat storage structure includes a frame having an axle positioned along a rear portion of the cushion and having a seat gear mounted to the axle. An actuator is provided for moving the seat between a seating position and a storage position. The actuator has an output gear positioned about an output shaft that is defined along the longitudinal axis of the actuator. The actuator is mounted within a portion of the frame, such that the output gear and the seat gear are meshed thereto, and such that the axis of the actuator is substantially parallel to the axle of the seat storage frame. Wherein when the seat is moved between the seating position and the storage position, the actuator is moved therewith.