Vehicle Seat Adjustment Device Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment devices for vehicle seats with planetary gear mechanisms are complex and difficult to mount, as they fail to effectively manage torques acting on the mechanism, leading to inefficient design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A simpler adjustment device design featuring a planetary gear mechanism with a brake device that selectively releases the planet carrier, utilizing a brake ring and inner ring with rolling bodies and spring means to absorb torques, and a compact housing arrangement that reduces spatial requirements and torque transmission, allowing for manual or motor-driven adjustments of seat height, inclination, and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake device is added to keep torques away from the output, then torque management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device is integrated with the planetary gear mechanism by mounting the brake ring directly on the planet carrier, which is already a component of the planetary gear set. This merging approach allows the brake function to be added without requiring a separate, independent brake system, thereby improving torque management while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The planet carrier serves multiple functions: it supports the planet gears for mechanical advantage and simultaneously serves as the mounting surface for the brake ring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure while achieving effective torque management.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact housing arrangement is used, then spatial requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake ring is nested within the housing structure, with the planet carrier positioned inside the brake ring assembly. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall external dimensions of the adjustment device while maintaining functional clearances and tolerances through precise but achievable manufacturing specifications.
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 provides a more straightforward and cost-effective adjustment device that effectively manages torques, reducing complexity and manufacturing difficulties while enabling efficient adjustment functions with reduced spatial requirements and noise, using a brake device to absorb torques in both rotational directions.
Implementation Method 1
the brake bodies are arranged in pairs and respectively comprise a spring means which is arranged between the brake bodies
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment device is disclosed for carrying out at least one adjustment function, such as for a motor vehicle seat. The device includes a drive in the form of a planetary gear mechanism. The mechanism has a planet carrier and an output. The output is stopped by a brake device when the drive is not actuated. The planet carrier cooperates with the brake device to release the brake device.