Vehicle Seat Fitting With Internal Stopper Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fittings for adjusting the angle of inclination of a backrest relative to a seat part require multiple parts and external stopper elements, which increase complexity and weight, and do not efficiently utilize installation space.
Innovation Solution
A disc-shaped fitting unit comprising a first and second fitting part that rotate relative to each other, held together by a clamping ring with internal stopper elements, eliminating the need for specific gear parts and allowing customizable rotation range by adjusting the stopper elements, forming a compact shape that saves radial space and reduces part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external stopper elements are used to limit relative rotation between fitting parts, then the rotation range can be limited, but the number of parts and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stopper elements with the clamping ring by forming them as a single integrated component. The clamping ring includes radially inwardly extending stopper elements that limit the relative rotation between the first and second fitting parts, eliminating the need for separate external stopper components and reducing the total part count while maintaining reliable rotation range limitation.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for the fitting, then the function can be achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into fewer components: the clamping ring simultaneously provides clamping force to hold the fitting parts together and includes integrated stopper elements to limit rotation. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and consequently reduces the overall weight of the fitting assembly.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact disc-shaped unit is formed, then radial installation space is saved, but the internal stopper elements require precise integration
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper elements are designed as separate radially inwardly extending features on the clamping ring that can be formed through stamping or molding processes. This segmentation allows the stopper elements to be integrated into the clamping ring using standard manufacturing techniques, achieving compact disc-shaped geometry without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat comprises a first fitting part (11) and a second fitting part (12), which may rotate relative to each other in a circumferential direction, and which form a disc-shaped unit; a clamping ring (13) that holds the disc-shaped unit together by engaging radially outwardly over the first fitting part (11) and by being fixed to the second fitting part (12); and a group of internal stopper elements (51, 53) which limit the relative rotation between the first fitting part (11) and the second fitting part (12). Each of the first fitting part (11) and the clamping ring (13) has at least one internal stopper element of the group of internal stopper elements (51, 53).