Vehicle Seat Actuating Unit Spring Pin Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating units for vehicle seats are complex and costly to assemble, often requiring manual labor and risking damage to components during assembly, due to the need for intricate mechanisms and fastening methods that can be time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A simplified actuating unit for vehicle seats featuring a pivotably attached actuating element with a spring element that pretensions the actuating element and secures the pin in place, allowing for fully automatic and cost-effective assembly with fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening means such as nuts or cotter pins are used to secure the actuating element on the axle, then the actuating element is securely retained, but the assembly process becomes complicated, time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from separate fastening means (nuts, cotter pins) and integrates it into the spring element itself. The spring element is designed with ends that can be inserted into recesses in the actuating element, thereby securing the actuating element to the axle without requiring additional fastening components. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves multiple functions: it provides the necessary spring force for actuating the locking device, and simultaneously functions as a fastening means to secure the actuating element to the axle. By combining these functions into a single component, the invention eliminates the need for separate fastening means and simplifies the overall assembly process.
2Reliability
If the ends of the axle are reshaped (compressed) to secure the actuating element, then the position is secured, but the axle is damaged and its service life is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the axle itself and transfers it to the spring element. Instead of reshaping or damaging the axle ends to secure the actuating element, the spring element is designed with ends that insert into recesses in the actuating element, providing secure retention without compromising the axle's structural integrity or service life.
3Reliability
If a leg spring of complex shape with multipart mechanism is used to retain the actuating element, then the actuating element is secured, but the installation becomes particularly complicated and cost-intensive requiring manual assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the spring element into two separate parts: a first spring element that provides the spring force and a second spring element that provides the fastening function. Each segment has a simple, standardized shape that facilitates automated assembly. The segments are assembled in sequence during automated assembly processes, avoiding the need for complex manual manipulation required by single-piece complex leg springs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex single-piece leg spring that requires manual assembly, the invention inverts the approach by using simple segmented spring elements with standardized geometries that are designed for automated assembly. The fastening function is achieved through simple insertion of spring element ends into recesses, which can be easily performed by automated assembly systems.
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 solution enables a straightforward, low-cost assembly process with automatic installation, reducing complexity and potential damage, while ensuring secure retention of the actuating unit without compromising functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element arranged on the pin and pretensioning the actuating element
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating unit for a vehicle seat, particularly for actuating a locking device of a seat rail of a motor vehicle seat, has an actuating element (4) articulated about a pin (6) to a main element (2). A spring element (10) is arranged on the pin (6) and biases the actuating element. The spring element and the pin are formed such that the spring element secures the pin in the assembled position thereof.