Vehicle Seat Actuating Mechanism for Universal Rail Compatibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing longitudinal adjusters for vehicle seats are not universally usable across different rail profiles and require complex actuation mechanisms that are not compact or cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

An actuating mechanism comprising an actuating arm, a release lever with a positioning element, and a cover that centers the rail lock for universal use with internal or external actuation, suitable for various rail profiles and configurations, featuring a pivotable positioning element that adjusts the rail lock to an unlocking axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing longitudinal adjusters are used for different rail profiles, then universality is required, but device complexity increases and compactness is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversality across rail profilesVSAvoidactuating mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating mechanism is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate different rail profiles (high and low profiles) using the same basic structure. The mechanism universally engages with various rail types through a common engagement geometry, eliminating the need for profile-specific actuating mechanisms and thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The release lever is arranged inside a cover structure, creating a nested configuration where the actuating components are housed within a protective enclosure. This nesting approach compactly integrates multiple functions (actuation, protection, guidance) into a single space-efficient unit, reducing overall complexity while maintaining universality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex actuating mechanisms are used to achieve universality, then adaptability improves, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various rail configurationsVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever is arranged inside a cover structure, creating a nested configuration where the actuating components are housed within a protective enclosure. This nesting approach compactly integrates multiple functions (actuation, protection, guidance) into a single space-efficient unit, reducing overall complexity while maintaining universality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism utilizes the depth dimension by arranging the release lever inside the cover, effectively using the Z-axis (depth) to accommodate components rather than expanding the X-Y footprint. This dimensional reorganization allows the mechanism to remain compact in plan view while providing the necessary space for universal actuation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rail profile types are supported, then adaptability increases, but the number of variants and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for high and low rail profilesVSAvoidproduction cost and variants

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating mechanism is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate different rail profiles (high and low profiles) using the same basic structure. The mechanism universally engages with various rail types through a common engagement geometry, eliminating the need for profile-specific actuating mechanisms and thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover and release lever are designed as integrated components that combine multiple functions: protection of internal components, guidance of the actuating motion, and engagement with different rail profiles. By merging these functions into a single integrated assembly, the design reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies manufacturing while supporting multiple rail configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10500986B2Actuating mechanism for a longitudinal adjuster of a vehicle seat, and longitudinal adjuster with such an actuating mechanism

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 KEIPER SEATING MECHANISMS CO LTD

AI summary

An actuating mechanism (4), for a longitudinal adjuster (1) of a vehicle seat, includes an upper rail (2.1) and a lower rail (2.2), which rails are lockable to each other by at least one lock (3). The actuating mechanism (4) includes an actuating arm (4.1), a release lever (5), a positioning element (5.2), which is arranged on the release lever (5) and is mounted pivotably at a free lever end (5.3) of the release lever (5), and a connecting region (5.1) which is arranged on the release lever (5) and has an opening (5.4) provided for the non-rotatable fastening of the actuating arm (4.1). The free lever end (5.3) is configured for arrangement in an interior space (I) of the rails (2.1, 2.2). The connecting region (5.1) is configured so as to be able to pass through an upper side of the upper rail (2.1).