Vehicle Seat Fitting Weld Seam Shallow Angle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fittings face challenges in optimizing load-bearing capacity without material melting that does not contribute to structural integrity, particularly in the connection between the adapter and the first fitting part, where conventional laser welding methods can compromise the load-bearing capacity by melting unnecessary material.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves producing a weld seam at a shallow angle of up to 25° to the connection surface, focusing on increasing the seam depth rather than width, which enhances load absorption while minimizing material melting, and adjusting the welding speed to adapt to expected loads without altering the laser welding system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser welding is performed from the axial direction perpendicular to the connecting surface, then the welding process is simple and efficient, but material melting occurs that does not contribute to load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the welding approach from axial direction (perpendicular to connecting surface) to a shallow angle approach (within the connecting surface plane, 0°-25°). This dimensional change in welding direction allows the laser to create deep weld seams within the connecting surface without melting excessive material from the axial direction, thereby improving welding efficiency while reducing unnecessary material melting.
2Manufacturing precision
If welding is performed from the axial direction, then the weld seam width can be controlled, but the seam depth which is relevant for load absorption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from controlling weld seam width in the axial direction to controlling weld seam depth within the connecting surface plane. By changing the welding direction to a shallow angle (0°-25°) relative to the connecting surface, the laser energy is concentrated to create deep weld seams that significantly improve load-bearing capacity while maintaining precise control over weld dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the welding parameters by adjusting the laser beam angle from perpendicular (90°) to shallow angles (0°-25°) relative to the connecting surface. This parameter change enables the creation of deep weld seams with optimized depth-to-width ratios, significantly improving load-bearing capacity while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled welding speed and laser power.
3Ease of manufacture
If the weld seam is produced from a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface, then the welding process is straightforward, but the load absorption capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the welding process by changing the laser beam direction from perpendicular to the connecting surface to a shallow angle within the connecting surface plane (0°-25°). This dimensional change creates deep weld seams that significantly improve load absorption capability while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated laser welding systems with controlled welding speed and path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the welding process by changing key parameters: the laser beam angle is adjusted from 90° (perpendicular) to 0°-25° (shallow angle) relative to the connecting surface. This parameter change, combined with adjusted welding speed and laser power, creates deep weld seams that enhance load absorption capability while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward and automated.
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 approach optimizes load handling by increasing the relevant weld seam dimension within the connection surface, ensuring improved load absorption and structural integrity with minimal material usage, independent of the welding method or system parameters.
Implementation Method 1
The weld seam is produced, for example, by a laser beam which is aligned in the axial direction perpendicularly to the connecting surface and is aimed at the joint between the first fitting part and the ring located behind the adapter
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
In a fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, with a first fitting part (11), with a second fitting part (12) which is rotatable about an axis (A) relative to the first fitting part (11), and with a ring (13) which keeps the two fitting parts (11, 12) together in the axial direction, as a result of which the fitting (5) forms a disc-shaped unit, wherein an adaptor (21) is provided, said adaptor bearing against the first fitting part (11), in particular in an abutting manner, and, by means of the bearing contact, defining a connecting surface (F) and being connected to the first fitting part (11) and/or the ring (13) by means of a weld seam (23), the weld seam (23) is produced from a direction (S) which runs within the connecting surface (F) or at a shallow angle (f) to the connecting surface (F).