Vehicle Seat Fitting System with Spline Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fitting systems for adjustable backrests are complex and costly, requiring multiple freely pivoting devices and significant installation space, while lacking a simple and cost-effective solution for memorizing the backrest inclination.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fitting system with a single freely pivoting device, utilizing a spline profile for decoupling between the transmission element and driver, allowing for reduced installation space and lower production costs, where the idle travel is greater than the unlocking travel, enabling complete decoupling and memory function of the backrest inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple freely pivoting devices are used to enable free pivoting of the backrest, then the backrest can be freely pivoted, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the free-pivoting device with the second fitting, integrating both functions into a single component. The second fitting serves dual purposes: adjusting backrest inclination and enabling free pivoting when needed. This merging eliminates the need for separate freely pivoting devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second fitting is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an inclination adjustment mechanism and as a free-pivoting device. By incorporating a pawl that can be selectively engaged or disengaged, the same component provides locked inclination adjustment during normal use and unlocked free pivoting when the pawl is disengaged, eliminating the need for dedicated separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple freely pivoting devices are used to enable free pivoting of the backrest, then the backrest can be freely pivoted, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the free-pivoting device with the second fitting, integrating both functions into a single component. The second fitting serves dual purposes: adjusting backrest inclination and enabling free pivoting when needed. This merging eliminates the need for separate freely pivoting devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a spline profile with idle travel is used for decoupling between transmission element and driver, then complete decoupling is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the idle travel parameter of the spline profile to enable complete decoupling. By designing the spline engagement such that there is intentional play or clearance in one direction of rotation, the driver can be fully decoupled from the transmission element when needed. This parameter change allows the spline to serve dual purposes: positive engagement for torque transmission and intentional disengagement for free pivoting, without requiring excessive manufacturing precision.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5
AI summary
In a fitting system (5) for a vehicle seat (1), with a first fitting (10) which, for unlocking purposes, has a driver (18) which is rotatable about an axis (A), and with a second fitting (20), a transmission element (25) between the two fittings (10, 20), a free-pivoting device (24) assigned to the second fitting (20), a first operating element (31), upon the actuation of which the two fittings (10, 20), with the use of the transmission element (25), are unlocked, and with a second operating element (32), upon the actuation of which the first fitting (10) and the free-pivoting device (24) are unlocked, the driver (18) of the first fitting (10) receives the transmission element (25) - coupled thereto for carrying along, wherein free travel in one direction of rotation is provided between the driver (18) and the transmission element (25).