Vehicle Seat Fitting Stop Surface for Independent Rail Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat fittings for motor vehicles face challenges in integrating a simple and space-saving mechanism for unlocking seat rails independently of backrest inclination, while also compensating for wobble loops and tolerances, and limiting pivoting movements effectively.

Innovation Solution

A fitting with a stop surface on the third fitting part that interacts with an actuating element, such as a Bowden cable, to unlock seat rails, allowing independent actuation of the seat rail release and limiting pivoting movements, which is designed to be compact and unaffected by the wobble loop caused by the geared fittings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a geared fitting with planetary gear is used for backrest inclination adjustment, then multiple inclined positions can be achieved, but a wobble loop occurs that affects the triggering of the unlocking device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackrest inclination adjustmentVSAvoidunlocking triggering consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A stop surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the third fitting part and the actuating element. This stop surface provides a reliable, consistent triggering point for the unlocking device that is independent of the wobble loop caused by the planetary gear mechanism, ensuring consistent unlocking behavior regardless of backrest inclination position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the actuating element is positioned to interact with the wobble loop mechanism, then it can be compact, but the unlocking becomes dependent on backrest inclination setting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting compactnessVSAvoidindependent seat rail release
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking triggering function is extracted from the wobble loop mechanism. The stop surface on the third fitting part provides a separate, independent triggering mechanism that does not rely on the backrest inclination adjustment mechanism, allowing the actuating element to be positioned optimally while ensuring independent and reliable seat rail release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If no dedicated stop mechanism is provided, then the fitting remains simple, but the pivoting movement range cannot be effectively limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting structureVSAvoidpivoting movement control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stop surface on the third fitting part serves multiple functions: it acts as a triggering surface for the actuating element to unlock the seat rails, and simultaneously serves as a limit stop for the pivoting movement of the backrest. This multi-functionality provides effective pivoting control without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables a space-saving and effective integration of seat rail unlocking that is independent of backrest inclination, compensates for wobble loops and tolerances, and provides precise control over pivoting movements, enhancing user access and seat adjustment in two-door motor vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The actuating element for unlocking the seat rails is preferably an element connected to one end of a Bowden cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Since a stop surface is formed on the third fitting part, which interacts with an actuating element for unlocking the seat rails when the backrest is pivoted freely

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

The fitting is a geared fitting with a simplified planetary gear, which is why there is a wobbling movement of the fitting parts relative to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2221210B1Fitting for a vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2011.11.09 KEIPER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2221210B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2221210B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2221210B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The fitting (5) has a firm fitting part (14) lockable with another fitting part (11) by a locking element (15). The former part is swivelable relative to the other part around an axis (A) for free swiveling of backrest. A locking catch (53) limits swiveling movement of the former part from an use position to a free-swiveling position. A catching surface (74) is formed at the former part and cooperates with an actuator for unlocking of a seat slide during free swiveling of backrest. The catching surface is movably mounted by a seat part firm support (71) that is designed as a housing.