Vehicle Seat Connection Assembly with Sliding Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat connection systems lack efficient and flexible mechanisms for translating and electrically connecting adjustable and removable seats, which limits their configuration and usability in various vehicle settings.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly that includes a track assembly with a rail cartridge and a carriage assembly, where a seat base is translatable fore and aft, and an actuation assembly with first and second electrical connectors allows for sliding engagement between the connectors via an actuator, enabling easy positioning and disengagement of the seat, maintaining electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is made adjustable and removable, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for connection and disconnection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a rail cartridge fixed to the vehicle and a carriage assembly coupled to the seat. This segmentation allows the seat to be easily connected and disconnected while maintaining electrical connectivity through separate first and second electrical connectors that engage with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection between the seat and rail cartridge, enables fore-aft translation along the track, and maintains electrical connectivity through integrated electrical connectors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is made translatable along the track assembly, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the sliding engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic sliding engagement. The carriage assembly can slide along the rail cartridge track assembly, allowing the seat to be easily positioned at different locations and connected or disconnected by simple linear motion rather than complex assembly operations.
3Ease of repair
If the electrical connector is made disengageable, then the ease of repair and removal are improved, but the reliability of electrical connectivity worsens during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrical connector acts as an intermediary between the carriage assembly and the first electrical connector on the rail cartridge. This separate electrical connection mechanism can be independently engaged and disengaged without affecting the mechanical connection, allowing for reliable electrical connectivity when engaged and easy disconnection when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat back. A seat base is coupled to the seat back. A track assembly and the seat base are translatable fore and aft along the track assembly. A rail cartridge slidably engages with the track assembly. An actuation assembly includes a first electrical connector coupled to the rail cartridge and a support member coupled to a second electrical connector. The second electrical connector is operable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the first electrical connector via a sliding engagement of the support member along opposing grooves of an engagement member. The second electrical connector is actuated via an actuator coupled to the second electrical connector.