Vehicle Seat Fitting Eccentric Locking Play Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fittings lack sufficient strength to withstand crash-induced loads and misuses, particularly in belt-integral seats, due to inadequate compensation of play and torque distribution among locking elements.
Innovation Solution
A fitting design featuring a first and second fitting part with relative rotation, an eccentric mechanism, and multiple locking elements that tilt laterally to interact radially outward, providing enhanced strength by compensating for play and distributing forces effectively through asymmetric eccentric cams and spring arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple locking elements are provided to increase strength against external loads, then the fitting's crash resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple discrete locking elements (at least two, preferably three or four) distributed around the eccentric axis. Each locking element functions independently to engage with the second fitting part, allowing the system to handle external loads through multiple contact points rather than a single locking point, thereby increasing overall strength and crash resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are arranged in a radial distribution around the eccentric axis, utilizing the circumferential dimension. This radial arrangement allows multiple locking elements to engage different portions of the second fitting part simultaneously, distributing the load across multiple engagement points and increasing the fitting's ability to withstand external loads from various directions.
2Ease of operation
If locking elements are made tiltable to compensate for play, then the fitting's normal operation smoothness improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed with the capability to tilt or rotate about an axis extending through the eccentric. This dynamic feature allows each locking element to automatically adjust its angular position in response to assembly variations and operational loads, compensating for play between components without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. The tilting motion enables the locking elements to maintain reliable engagement despite minor dimensional variations.
3Reliability
If locking elements are positioned radially outward to lock the fitting, then the locking reliability improves, but the area occupied by locking elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements utilize the radial dimension to achieve reliable locking. By positioning the locking elements radially outward where they can engage with the second fitting part, the design ensures that the locking force acts in the most effective direction for preventing relative motion between the first and second fitting parts. The radial arrangement maximizes the mechanical advantage of the eccentric mechanism while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
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 design significantly increases the fitting's ability to withstand external loads by ensuring that at least one locking element is always positioned to dissipate forces, regardless of loading direction, thereby enhancing crash and misuse resistance while maintaining a symmetrical arrangement with minimal construction space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a drivable eccentric (11) that is mounted for rotating about the axis; and locking elements (13) that are guided in the radial direction with respect to the axis by the first fitting part, can be moved radially outward under the action of the eccentric
Implementation Method 2
an eccentric (11) that acts on four locking elements (13) in a radially outward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprises a first fitting part (7); a second fitting part (8) that can be rotated about an axis (A) relative to the first fitting part (7); a drivable eccentric (11; 111) that is mounted for rotating about the axis (A); and at least two locking elements (13) that are guided in the radial direction with respect to the axis (A) by the first fitting part (7), can be moved radially outward under the action of the eccentric (11; 111), and interact radially outward with the second fitting part (8) in order to lock the fitting (5). When the fitting (5) is in the locked state, at least one locking element (13) tilts in the counter direction in relation to the adjacent locking device (13).