Motor Vehicle Seat Base Frame with Integrated Transverse Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat base frames for motor vehicle seats require increased installation space and higher production costs due to the need for additional parts, such as transverse supports and actuation means, which also compromise strength and stability, especially in asymmetrical arrangements that increase torque and risk of collapse during crashes.
Innovation Solution
A seat base frame design featuring a transverse support that is both axially fixed and rotatably connected to the upper rails, allowing it to stabilize the tracks and actuate the locking devices, eliminating the need for additional transfer means and reducing installation space and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional transverse supports and actuation means are added to the seat base frame, then the strength and stability are improved, but the installation space increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse support is merged with the actuation mechanism by integrating the locking device directly onto the transverse support structure. This allows the transverse support to simultaneously perform its stabilizing function and actuate the locking devices, eliminating the need for separate actuation means and transfer shafts, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining strength and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse support is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural stabilization of the track pairs, acts as an actuation mechanism for the locking devices, and eliminates the need for separate transfer means. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts and installation space requirements while maintaining the necessary strength and stability
2Strength
If additional transverse supports and actuation means are added to the seat base frame, then the strength and stability are improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the transverse support and actuation mechanism into a single integrated structure, the total number of parts is reduced. This simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers production costs while maintaining the required strength and stability through the optimized integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional transverse support reduces the total part count and material requirements compared to separate components. This consolidation simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes, reducing production costs while achieving the necessary structural strength and stability through the integrated design
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetrical arrangement of seat structure is used, then the longitudinal adjustment capability is improved, but the torque increases and risk of collapse during crashes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with asymmetric engagement features that provide enhanced locking force on the side experiencing higher torque loads during asymmetric adjustments. This asymmetric design allows the locking mechanism to compensate for the increased torque from asymmetrical seat arrangements, preventing collapse while maintaining adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device incorporates curved or spherical engagement surfaces that provide mechanical advantage and distributed load bearing. This curvature allows the locking mechanism to better withstand the asymmetric torque forces generated by asymmetrical seat arrangements, preventing structural collapse while maintaining longitudinal adjustment capability
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 enhances the strength and stability of the seat base frame, preventing collapse during crashes while allowing for longitudinal adjustment without additional actuation elements, and enables cost-effective production with reduced installation space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the transverse support fixes the pairs of tracks in a crash-stable manner against each other supportingly in its axial direction with respect to the upper rails
Implementation Method 2
is at the same time rotatably connected with it. The axial fixation of the transverse support with respect to the upper rails ensures a reliable support of the pairs of tracks with respect to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A seat base frame has pairs of tracks, each having an upper rail longitudinally displaceably guided relative to a lower rail and lockable by means of a locking device on the lower rail. A seat structure is connected to the upper rails, and a transverse support extends substantially perpendicular to the upper rails and is connected thereto. The transverse support is fixed in the axial direction thereof relative to the upper rails and rotatably connected thereto, wherein an actuating lever and a control lever are disposed rotationally fixed relative to each other and spaced apart from each other on the transverse support such that each can be engaged by a locking device for adjusting the locking device between a locked position fixing the upper rail relative to the lower rail and a release position releasing the upper rail relative to the lower rail.