Seat Backrest Adjustment Assembly With Single Limit Switch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven seat backrest adjustments are complex, costly, and require significant installation space, particularly in automatic systems.
Innovation Solution
A seat adjustment mechanism using a single limit switch actuated by a spindle nut translating along a shaft, combined with a slotted guide for rotational movement, and a control element for unlocking a head restraint, allowing compact and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex adjustment mechanism with multiple limit switches is used for automatic backrest adjustment, then the end position detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple limit switches into a single limit switch by integrating the actuation functions. The driver assembly consolidates the spindle nut, actuation element, and slotted guide into one unit that actuates a single limit switch, eliminating the need for multiple separate limit switches while maintaining reliable end position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The driver assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it translates the spindle nut's linear movement into rotational movement of the actuation element, acts as the mechanical linkage for limit switch actuation, and provides the structural framework for the slotted guide. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the adjustment mechanism
2Reliability
If a complex adjustment mechanism with multiple limit switches is used for automatic backrest adjustment, then the end position detection reliability is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple limit switches into a single limit switch by integrating the actuation functions. The driver assembly consolidates the spindle nut, actuation element, and slotted guide into one unit that actuates a single limit switch, eliminating the need for multiple separate limit switches while maintaining reliable end position detection
Solution Approach 2:
The driver assembly is designed as a nested structure where the spindle nut moves within the driver body, the actuation element rotates within the slotted guide, and the entire driver assembly is mounted on the adjustment mechanism. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space required for the end position detection system
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 mechanism enables efficient, space-saving, and cost-effective automatic backrest adjustment with integrated end position detection and head restraint unlocking, using a single limit switch and coordinated rotational movements.
Implementation Method 1
a spindle (24) connected fixedly in terms of rotation to the shaft (10) and a spindle nut (26) which is moved in the longitudinal direction (L) in a translational manner when the shaft (10) is rotated
Implementation Method 2
The driver (26) is guided in a forced manner by means of a mechanical slotted guide (48) and namely such that the translational movement of the spindle nut (26) and the thus of the driver (26) is superimposed with a rotational movement
Data Source
AI summary
A device adjusts a seat, which has a seat part and a backrest adjustable between two end positions including an upright position and a folded-over folding position, using an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism has opposing rotary fittings connected together via a shaft that extends along the shaft axis. The device is provided for detecting the two end positions. A spindle is connected to the shaft and a spindle nut is moved in the longitudinal direction in a translational manner when the shaft is rotated. The spindle nut is part of a driver which has an actuation element for a limit switch. The driver is guided in a forced manner by a mechanical slotted guide such that the translational movement is superimposed with a rotational movement of the driver, and the slotted guide is configured such that the actuation element actuates only one limit switch in the two end positions.