Vehicle Seat Adjustment Device Spring Biasing Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat adjustment mechanisms suffer from noise issues due to gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances between the toothed rack and pinion, leading to unwanted contact and noise during load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A spring means, such as a leaf spring with a curvature, is used as a separate component between the toothed rack blocking element and a spring blocking element, applying a pressure force to the toothed rack to bias it towards the pinion, thereby compensating for gaps and preventing noise. This solution allows for flexible adaptation of pressure force and can be easily mounted on a stud bolt, ensuring the toothed rack does not lift off under high loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a toothed rack and pinion mechanism is used for vehicle seat adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances lead to noise during load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is introduced that preliminarily acts on the toothed rack to maintain continuous contact with the pinion. The spring applies a pre-compression force that compensates for tolerance gaps before load conditions occur, preventing the rack from separating from the pinion during operation and thereby eliminating noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves as an intermediary between the toothed rack and the blocking element. It mediates the interaction by providing a flexible connection that maintains contact pressure between the rack and pinion while accommodating manufacturing tolerances, thus preventing direct impact and noise generation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a spring means is added to compensate for gaps, then noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is merged with the existing blocking element structure. The blocking element is designed to accommodate the spring, combining the blocking function with the noise-compensation function into a single integrated component, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is designed to serve multiple functions: it blocks excessive movement of the toothed rack while simultaneously housing the spring element that compensates for tolerance gaps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring means is made as a separate component, then flexibility and ease of mounting are improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and mounted. This segmentation allows for flexible installation and replacement without affecting other parts of the mechanism, while the modular nature enables standardized production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element introduces dynamic capability to the otherwise rigid toothed rack blocking mechanism. The spring can dynamically adjust to load conditions and tolerance variations, providing adaptive noise compensation while maintaining a simple structural implementation.
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 effectively reduces noise by compensating for gaps caused by tolerances, ensuring smooth operation under normal and high-load conditions without the need for additional fixation, allowing for flexible adjustment and reduced refitting effort.
Implementation Method 1
A spring means, for example a leaf spring or a similar spring, extends as a separate component between the toothed rack blocking element and an additional spring blocking element
Implementation Method 2
the spring means, in a middle region located between the toothed rack blocking element and the spring blocking element, includes a curvature or bulge respectively oriented towards the toothed rack, where a pressure point of the curvature touches the toothed rack (at one of the narrow surfaces) exerting a pressure force
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an adjustment device for a vehicle seat comprising adjusters adjustable in relation to one another, where on the first adjuster a toothed rack with an interlocking is hinged, and on the second adjuster a pinion is pivoted, the interlocking engaging with the pinion for adjusting the toothed rack and for moving the two adjusters in relation to one another, where, further, a toothed rack blocking element is affixed to the second adjuster, and the toothed rack, when adjusted, runs between the toothed rack blocking element and the pinion.