Vehicle Seat Clutch Outer Ring Reinforcement Against Overload Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a state where a vehicle seat is fully raised or fully lowered, the operation of raising or lowering the vehicle seat of the output-side clutch is locked, leading to excessive load application if the operation handle is operated, which may result in component breakage or deformation.
Innovation Solution
A clutch unit for a vehicle seat that includes an operation lever, an operation member, an output shaft member, an input-side clutch with a disk-shaped bottom part and an outer ring part, and an output-side clutch, where the input-side outer ring member has a thick part projecting outward in the radial direction to enhance radial strength and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation handle is operated when the output-side clutch is locked (vehicle seat fully raised or lowered), then the operation can be performed, but excessive load is applied causing component breakage or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning member that absorbs excessive load before it reaches the clutch components. When the operation handle is operated beyond the locked position, the cushioning member compresses to absorb the overload, preventing breakage or deformation of the clutch components while still allowing the operation to be performed
2Strength
If a thick part is added to the input-side outer ring member to prevent deformation, then radial strength is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a thick part only to the specific location of the input-side outer ring member where radial strength is needed to prevent deformation under excessive load. This localized reinforcement enhances strength at the critical area without unnecessarily increasing the complexity of the entire device structure
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 clutch unit effectively prevents breakage and deformation of components even when an excessive load is applied, ensuring reliable operation by enhancing the radial strength of the input-side outer ring member.
Implementation Method 1
an input-side transmission member disposed in a wedge-shaped space formed between an outer peripheral surface of the input-side inner ring member and an inner peripheral surface of the input-side outer ring member
Implementation Method 2
an output-side clutch that transmits rotational torque of the input-side clutch to the output shaft member and curbs transmission of rotational torque from the output shaft member to the input-side clutch
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch unit includes an operation lever, an operation bracket, an output shaft member, an input-side clutch, an output-side clutch, and a housing. An input-side outer ring member of the input-side clutch is a member including a bottom part and an outer ring part. A part of the outer ring part is a thick part. The thickness of the thick part in the radial direction is larger than the thickness of a non-thick part in the radial direction.