Vehicle Seat Fitting System Independent Transmission Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fitting systems are complex and costly, failing to efficiently adjust and memorize backrest inclination while allowing free pivoting, often requiring multiple transmission elements and locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fitting system with a first and second transmission element, where the second transmission element acts independently between the free-pivoting device and the first fitting, allowing the first fitting to be unlocked without unlocking the second, thus enabling adjustable and memorizable backrest inclination with reduced manufacturing costs using a single free-pivoting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transmission element is used to unlock both fittings, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to independently control fitting unlocking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into two separate transmission elements: a first transmission element that unlocks both fittings simultaneously for inclination adjustment, and a second transmission element that unlocks only the first fitting for free pivoting. This segmentation allows independent control of each fitting unlocking function while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first transmission element serves a dual function by being able to unlock both the first and second fittings, while the second transmission element provides specialized function for unlocking only the first fitting. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by having one element handle multiple tasks while another handles a specific task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple free-pivoting devices are used to enable free pivoting and memory function, then the functionality is more complete, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The free-pivoting device is integrated with the second fitting assembly, combining the free-pivoting functionality and memory function into a single unified device. The second transmission element connects this integrated device to the first fitting, allowing both functions to be achieved without requiring separate independent mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second fitting is unlocked during free pivoting, then the memory function is compromised, but the current design achieves free pivoting with memory retention
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking control is segmented so that the second transmission element selectively unlocks only the first fitting while leaving the second fitting locked. This selective unlocking allows the backrest to pivot freely while the second fitting remains locked to maintain the memory function, resolving the contradiction between free pivoting operation and memory retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting system (5) for a vehicle seat (1) includes a first fitting (10), a second fitting (50), a first transmission element (7) acting between the two fittings (10, 50), a free-pivoting device (54) assigned to the second fitting (50), a first operating element for adjusting the inclination, with the actuation thereof the two fittings (10, 50) being unlocked by using the first transmission element (7), and a second operating element for free pivoting. With the actuation of the second operating element, the first fitting (10) and the free-pivoting device (54) are unlocked. A second transmission element (80) is arranged between the two fittings (10, 50) and mounted on the fittings (10, 50), and which—independently of the first transmission element (7)—acts between the free-pivoting device (54) and the first fitting (10).