Vehicle Seat Backrest Adjustment Device with Spline Form-Fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat adjustment mechanisms are complex and time-consuming to assemble, with high manufacturing costs and potential for unintentional disconnection, limiting efficient adjustment of the backrest inclination relative to the seat part.

Innovation Solution

A spline-like form-fitting means with asymmetrical teeth and a ratchet mechanism for rotary connection to the seat part, combined with a securing device using interlocking plugs, allows for simple assembly and secure attachment, reducing production time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the backrest inclination can be adjusted, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device is divided into separate functional components: a fitting part with form-fitting means, a receptacle with corresponding receptacle means, and a securing device. These segmented components can be assembled independently through simple insertion and locking actions, avoiding complex integrated mechanisms while maintaining full adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the backrest inclination can be adjusted, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The form-fitting means and receptacle means are pre-configured with complementary geometries that guide automatic alignment during assembly. The securing device is pre-positioned to engage automatically when components are inserted, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments and reducing assembly time significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the backrest inclination can be adjusted, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism uses simple, easily manufacturable components with standard geometries (spline forms, cylindrical receptacles) that can be produced through conventional machining or molding processes. These components are designed for ease of manufacture rather than complexity, reducing tooling costs and production expenses while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Productivity

If simple connection methods are used, then assembly is fast, but unintentional disconnection may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is designed to engage the form-fitting means and receptacle means in advance before any operational loads are applied. This pre-securing action prevents unintentional disconnection during subsequent use, while the entire securing process remains integrated into the initial assembly operation, maintaining high assembly speed without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2463142B1Adjustment device for a vehicle seat for adjusting the angle of a backrest of the vehicle seat relative to a seat component
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HLDG SARL
  • EP2463142B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2463142B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2463142B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has a fitting part (2) including a spline shaft-like molded form-fitting unit (3) in outer periphery. The molded form-fitting unit is inserted in a correspondingly formed receiver (8) of a seat component (4) under formation of a rotational mold closure. The fitting part is fixedly and/or force-fittingly arranged in a backrest of a vehicle seat, and the molded form-fitting unit is rotatably or pivotally held and/or mounted in the fitting part, and includes an axially running through-hole. The fitting part and the receiver are arranged in the vehicle seat.