Vehicle Seat Anchor With Locking Pin And Electrical Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seating assemblies in vehicles are limited in their ability to translate to various locations within the cabin, lacking the reconfigurability needed for occupant comfort and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A seating assembly with an anchor system that includes a post surrounded by a main body, featuring a locking pin and electrical connector, which engages with a rail system equipped with low friction portions and data transmission capabilities, allowing for smooth translation and reconfiguration within the vehicle cabin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional seating assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to translate to various locations within the cabin is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation capability to various locationsVSAvoidanchor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system is divided into distinct functional segments: a post for engagement with the rail system, a locking pin for securing positions, springs for actuation assistance, and an electrical connector for power and data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor system is designed as a universal interface that can engage with the rail system at multiple positions along the cabin. The same anchor structure provides mechanical support, locking capability, and electrical connectivity, making it adaptable to various locations and configurations within the vehicle cabin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a locking pin system is added to enable positioning at various locations, then the translation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin system incorporates springs that automatically bias the locking pin into engagement with the rail system's positioning apertures. This self-actuating mechanism reduces the need for complex control systems while maintaining reliable positioning capability at various locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pin acts as an intermediary element between the anchor and the rail system, providing a simple mechanical interface that enables positioning without requiring complex locking mechanisms. The pin translates rotational or linear motion into secure engagement at discrete positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an electrical connector is added for power and data transmission, then the reconfigurability and control capability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidconnector system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connector is integrated with the mechanical anchor structure, combining mechanical support and electrical connectivity functions into a single compact assembly. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate mounting structures and cable management components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connector provides multiple functions including power transmission, data communication, and potentially control signals, all through a single interface. This multi-functional connector enables full reconfigurability and control capability without requiring multiple separate connection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If the rail system includes low friction portions and positioning apertures, then the smooth movement and positioning precision are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidrail system manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rail system incorporates low friction portions at specific locations where the anchor engages, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized application of special surface properties or materials provides smooth movement where needed while keeping the rest of the rail system simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning apertures are pre-formed in the rail system at predetermined locations, allowing the locking pin to engage at exact positions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly or operation. This preliminary positioning structure ensures precision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables the seating assembly to be repositioned and reconfigured easily within the vehicle cabin, enhancing occupant comfort and flexibility by facilitating smooth movement and data-driven adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

A first spring is positioned between the upper head and the main body and is configured to aid in actuating the locking pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a second spring positioned at a lower region of the locking pin and configured to bias the locking pin in a downward direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the rail system includes a low friction portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10604032B2Translatable seating assembly
Publication Date: 2020.03.31 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US10604032B2 patent drawing
  • US10604032B2 patent drawing
  • US10604032B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A seating assembly includes an anchor that has a post that is surrounded by a main body. The post extends above and below the main body and terminates in an upper head and a lower head. The post surrounds a locking pin that can be actuated within the post. An electrical connector extends outward from the anchor.