Vehicle Seat Longitudinal Adjuster Memory Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing longitudinal adjusters for vehicle seats are complex and require multiple components, which increases the complexity and cost of the system, while also making it harder to achieve efficient easy-entry and easy-return functions.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal adjuster design that incorporates a memory device with a friction wheel and a control lever, which allows for the storage and recall of seat positions using a multifunctional control lever that interacts with the backrest and rail locking mechanisms, reducing the number of components needed and enhancing the easy-entry and easy-return functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional longitudinal adjuster with separate memory device and control mechanisms is used, then the seat position memory function is achieved, but the number of components increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the memory device, control lever, friction wheel, and locking mechanism into an integrated assembly. The control lever serves multiple functions: it controls the friction wheel for position detection, actuates the locking mechanism, and manages the memory function. This merging of previously separate components reduces part count while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever is designed as a multifunctional component that simultaneously performs position control, memory activation, and locking mechanism actuation. The friction wheel serves both as a detection element for seat position and as a mechanism to engage/disengage the locking feature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for memory and locking functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the easy-entry and easy-return control mechanisms into a single unified assembly involving the control lever, friction wheel, and locking feature. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the adaptability and versatility of the easy-entry and easy-return functions.
3Ease of operation
If a complex multi-component system is used, then comprehensive control functions are achieved, but the difficulty of assembly and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the memory device, control lever, friction wheel, and locking mechanism into an integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and maintained. This integration simplifies the assembly process and reduces maintenance complexity while preserving comprehensive control functions for seat position adjustment, memory recall, and locking.
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
This design simplifies the system by reducing the number of components, improving the easy-entry and easy-return functions, and allowing for efficient storage and recall of seat positions, while maintaining the functionality of locking the backrest in the folded-forward position.
Implementation Method 1
a friction wheel (18), which makes contact with a contact surface (4a) that is moved relative to the memory device and travels over it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3
Figure 4~4a
AI summary
Longitudinal adjuster (1) for a vehicle seat (200) comprising a seat section (202) and a backrest (204). The longitudinal adjuster (1) has a first seat rail and a second seat rail, wherein the first seat rail is displaceable relative to the second seat rail in a longitudinal direction (x). A memory device associated with the first seat rail and cooperating with the second seat rail is provided, which is configured to store a longitudinal seat position of the vehicle seat (200) that can be exited and resumed by a longitudinal displacement of the vehicle seat (200). The memory device detects a relative movement between the first seat rail and the second seat rail by means of a friction wheel (18), which for this purpose contacts and moves along a contact surface (4a) that moves relative to the memory device.The memory device has a control lever coupled to a pivoting movement of the backrest, which is designed to: - prevent the memory device from being reset when the backrest is folded forward, and - adjust a contact force of a friction wheel intended for detecting the relative movement against a contact surface, and - secure an element for actuating a locking device to lock the backrest in a folded-forward position in a home position when the backrest is upright.