Vehicle Seat Fitting Blocking Element with Single Spring Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fittings experience relative movement under dynamic conditions due to the spring penetrating the blocking element twice, leading to a large idle travel and reduced actuation path for the driver.
Innovation Solution
The fitting design includes a blocking element with a single opening for the spring to penetrate, allowing independent actuation from tolerance-related fluctuations, with a locking spring and eccentric planetary gear for precise control, and a clasping ring for material savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spring penetrates the blocking element twice through two large openings, then the blocking element can accommodate tolerance positions of wedge segments, but the actuation path becomes large and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is segmented into two functional zones: a first opening for spring penetration that remains radially stationary, and a second opening that rotates with the blocking element. This segmentation allows the spring to interact with the blocking element at a fixed radial position while the blocking element itself rotates to accommodate wedge segment tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a rotational dimension to the opening configuration. While the first opening maintains a fixed radial position, the second opening rotates in the circumferential direction, effectively using rotational movement to accommodate tolerance variations without affecting the radial actuation path.
2Reliability
If the spring penetrates the blocking element twice, then the blocking element can hold wedge segments, but the actuation of the blocking element becomes dependent on tolerance-related fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is divided into two functional zones: a first opening for spring penetration that remains radially stationary, and a second opening that rotates with the blocking element. This segmentation allows the spring to interact with the blocking element at a fixed radial position while the blocking element itself rotates to accommodate wedge segment tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a rotational dimension to the opening configuration. While the first opening maintains a fixed radial position, the second opening rotates in the circumferential direction, effectively using rotational movement to accommodate tolerance variations without affecting the radial actuation path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two large openings are provided in the blocking element, then all tolerance positions can be covered, but material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is segmented into two functional zones: a first opening for spring penetration that remains radially stationary, and a second opening that rotates with the blocking element. This segmentation allows the spring to interact with the blocking element at a fixed radial position while the blocking element itself rotates to accommodate wedge segment tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a rotational dimension to the opening configuration. While the first opening maintains a fixed radial position, the second opening rotates in the circumferential direction, effectively using rotational movement to accommodate tolerance variations without requiring a second large stationary opening.
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 reduces the actuation path for the driver, enhances stability under dynamic loads, and allows continuous adjustment of the backrest inclination with reduced material usage and weight.
Implementation Method 1
a locking spring (51) made of one piece from spring steel, which penetrates the blocking element (51) exactly once, namely at exactly one opening (51g)
Implementation Method 2
an eccentric (27, 35) whose spring (35) penetrates the blocking element (51) exactly once
Implementation Method 3
eccentric planetary gear for precise control
Implementation Method 4
the support finger provided on the blocking element or the driver has a run-up bevel that runs at an angle to the radial direction and to the circumferential direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, with a first fitting part (11) and a second fitting part (12) which are in geared connection to each other by means of a gearwheel (16) and a gear ring (17), which intermesh, and with a revolving eccentric (27, 27), which is driven by a driver (21), for driving a relative rolling movement of the gearwheel (16) and gear ring (17), wherein the first fitting part (11) receives the eccentric (27, 27) which is supported on the second fitting part (12), wherein two wedge segments (27) which are acted upon by a spring (35) define the eccentric (27, 27), and with a blocking element (51) which, in the non-driven state of the fitting (10), blocks the eccentric (27, 27) by interaction of at least one blocking lug (51e) of the blocking element (51) with a toothing (55) formed on the first fitting part (11), and which releases the eccentric (27, 27) during driving by the driver (21), wherein the blocking element (51) has at least one opening (51g) penetrated by the spring (35), the spring (35) penetrates the blocking element (51) at precisely one opening (51g).