Vehicle Seat Assembly Ramp for Ergonomic Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling vehicle seats in a factory lack efficiency and ergonomics, requiring manual assembly by operators without assistance, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A tool and system for assembling vehicle seats that includes a central longitudinal surface with U-shaped stops and a handle, allowing for stable positioning and secure attachment to vehicle securing means, facilitating ergonomic assembly by reducing operator effort and preventing involuntary movements during the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly is performed without assistance, then assembly can be completed, but assembly time increases and operator ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an assembly tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the seat. This tool includes a handle for operator manipulation, a ramp for seat positioning, and engagement features for securing the seat to the vehicle. The intermediary tool automates the lifting and positioning operations, resolving the contradiction by improving both productivity and ergonomics simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp feature of the assembly tool creates an inclined plane that allows the seat to be guided into position using gravity and minimal operator force. This equipotential approach eliminates the need for the operator to lift the seat vertically, reducing physical strain while maintaining assembly speed
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tool is positioned in the vehicle for assembly, then assembly stability improves, but the tool may be subjected to involuntary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly tool is equipped with stops that preliminarily engage with the vehicle structure before the actual seat assembly begins. This preliminary engagement prevents involuntary movements of the tool during the assembly process, ensuring both tool stability and assembly reliability without requiring additional complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The tool features localized engagement points (stops) at specific positions where they interact with corresponding features in the vehicle. This localized quality approach provides stability exactly where needed during assembly, preventing tool movement while maintaining overall system reliability
3Productivity
If the seat is secured to front securing means only, then assembly can proceed, but rear securing means must be engaged separately
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly tool merges multiple securing operations into a single integrated process. By engaging both front and rear securing means through the tool's coordinated features, the patent combines what would otherwise be separate operations into one unified action, improving productivity without increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly tool serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the seat, engages front securing means, and engages rear securing means. This multi-functionality allows the same tool to handle the entire securing process, resolving the contradiction between assembly speed and process complexity
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 tool enables quick, error-free, and ergonomic assembly of vehicle seats by allowing the seat to slide into place using gravity and engaging securing means without manual lifting, thus reducing manufacturing time and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the ramp allowing the seat to slide in particular avoids the operator having to lift the seat
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool (10) for assembling a seat in a vehicle comprising at least one securing means for attaching said seat to the vehicle, said tool (10) comprising: • at least one stop (13) arranged to interact with said securing means in order to immobilise said tool (10) in an assembly position, • at least one longitudinal surface (11) arranged to receive said seat in an intermediate position, the longitudinal surface (11) of the tool in the assembly position being arranged to form a ramp and to guide the seat from the intermediate position towards a docking position of the seat with said securing means, the tool (10) being configured so as to allow securing of the seat in the docking position with said securing means when said tool (10) is disengaged from the space between the seat and the securing means.