Vehicle Seat Armrest Gear Structure for Wear-Resistant Pivoting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armrest mechanisms in vehicle seats suffer from wear and low transmission efficiency, and require significant time and effort for repair or replacement when motors or gears break due to excessive loads, with limited adjustment in speed and motion range.
Innovation Solution
The armrest design features a sector gear integrated with the seat frame, a pinion gear meshed with sector gear teeth, and a motor unit that can be easily attached and detached, with the pinion gear positioned separately from the rotation axis to prevent breakage, allowing for adjustable pivot speed and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional worm gear mechanism is used for armrest angle adjustment, then the armrest can be adjusted, but the worm gear is prone to wear and has low transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional worm gear mechanism with a pinion gear and sector gear system. This substitution eliminates the inherent wear and low efficiency problems of worm gears while maintaining the armrest angle adjustment function. The pinion gear meshes with sector gear teeth to transmit rotational motion from the motor to the armrest frame, achieving more efficient power transmission.
2Reliability
If the motor or gear is broken due to excessive load, then the armrest cannot function, but significant time and effort are required to replace or repair the broken components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motor assembly from the gear system by using a detachable connection (screw, bayonet, or quick-release connector). This allows the motor to be separated from the pinion gear and sector gear, enabling independent replacement of the motor without disturbing the gear components. This segmentation reduces repair time and simplifies maintenance when the motor fails due to excessive load.
3Volume of moving object
If the pinion gear is arranged on or near the rotation axis, then the structure is compact, but the motor and pinion gear are prone to breakage under excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the sector gear as an intermediary component between the pinion gear and the armrest rotation axis. The pinion gear is positioned away from the rotation axis and meshes with the sector gear, which is attached to the rotation axis. This intermediary arrangement protects the motor and pinion gear from direct exposure to excessive loads on the armrest, as the sector gear absorbs and distributes the load forces.
4Device complexity
If the armrest pivot mechanism uses a fixed gear configuration, then the structure is simple, but the speed and motion range of the armrest cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic gear configuration where the sector gear can be positioned at different locations along the armrest frame, and the number of gear stages can be changed. This allows the pivot speed and motion range of the armrest to be adjusted by repositioning the sector gear or changing the gear train configuration, providing adaptability while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
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 prevents motor and gear wear, reduces repair time, and facilitates easy adjustment of speed and motion range by allowing quick replacement or repair of components, enhancing the functionality and durability of the armrest.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion gear meshed with the sector gear teeth
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a structure that: prevents wear of a motor and a gear; reduces time and effort required to replace or repair either the motor or the gear when it is broken due to an excessive input; and facilitates the adjustment in the speed and the motion range of the armrest. An armrest is provided which comprises: an armrest frame attached rotatably about a rotation axis of a seat frame of a seatback; a sector gear integrated with the seat frame; sector gear teeth provided with respect to the sector gear; a motor having a pinion gear meshed with the sector gear teeth; a motor unit including the motor; and a fastening member for fastening the motor unit to the armrest frame.