Vehicle Seat Adjustment System with Adjacent Actuation Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat adjustment systems are ergonomically inconvenient, requiring users to reach around to operate separate actuation units for seat height and backrest adjustments, leading to potential noise and increased wear due to intermediate position adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical adjustment system with adjacent actuation units for seat and backrest adjustments, featuring a ratcheted recliner mechanism with force transmission and multiplication devices, allowing for independent and ergonomic operation by positioning the units within a common reaching range, reducing the need for users to change hand position significantly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate actuation units are used for seat height and backrest adjustments, then each adjustment function can be operated independently, but the actuation units are disposed at a distance from one another requiring users to change hand position significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation units (seat height adjustment and backrest adjustment) into a single integrated actuation unit. This merging allows both adjustment functions to be operated from a common reaching range, eliminating the need for users to change hand position significantly between adjustments, thereby improving ergonomic convenience while consolidating the device structure.
2Ease of operation
If a ratcheted recliner mechanism is used for backrest adjustment, then discontinuous stepped adjustment is achieved, but intermediate positions cause noise and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional ratcheted recliner mechanism with a lever mechanism that directly pivots the backrest about an axis of rotation. This substitution eliminates the ratcheted teeth and locking mechanisms that cause noise and wear during intermediate positions, while still enabling discontinuous stepped adjustment through controlled lever movement and locking.
3Volume of stationary object
If the actuation unit for backrest adjustment is located in the area of the axis of rotation, then the adjustment mechanism is compact, but the arrangement is not ergonomic and difficult to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the actuation unit from the traditional location at the axis of rotation to a more ergonomic position within a common reaching range that is easily accessible to users. This spatial relocation in another dimension maintains the compact adjustment mechanism while significantly improving accessibility and ease of operation.
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
Enhances user convenience and reduces wear by allowing seamless adjustments within a single reaching range, providing clear feedback and minimizing force required for disengagement, thus improving the overall ergonomic design and operational efficiency of vehicle seat adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a force transmission device with which a force for locking and unlocking a ratcheted recliner mechanism of the support adjustment device can be transmitted to the ratcheted recliner mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a force multiplication device, in particular a transmission unit, with which an applied force can be multiplied
Implementation Method 3
a ratcheted recliner mechanism of the support adjustment device
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment system for repeated adjustment of a vehicle seat having a seat part and a support element are provided. The adjustment system includes a seat actuation unit for adjusting a seat position of the seat part and a support actuation unit for adjusting a support position of the support element. The seat actuation unit and the support actuation unit are arranged in a common reach area and are positioned next to each other. A vehicle seat using the adjustment system, a vehicle having the vehicle seat, and a method for making multiple adjustments to a vehicle seat via the adjustment system also are provided.