Vehicle Seat Frame Guide Member Assembly Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat assembly methods lack efficient and modular attachment solutions that allow for easy assembly and connection of frame components while ensuring mechanical and electrical connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The use of guide members, such as sliding rails and J-guides, that constrain translational movement to one degree of freedom, allowing for the secure connection of frames with locking elements that limit movement and facilitate electrical connections between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional connection methods are used for vehicle seat frames, then structural strength is maintained, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural connection between frames, guides alignment during assembly, and incorporates locking features. This merging of connection, guidance, and locking functions into one element simplifies the overall assembly structure and reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between frame components, facilitating their connection through a standardized interface. It mediates the assembly process by providing a built-in alignment and locking mechanism that simplifies the joining of frames without requiring complex external fastening systems.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fasteners are used to connect frame components, then connection reliability is ensured, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is integrated directly into the guide member structure, combining the fastening function with the alignment and connection functions. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces assembly steps while maintaining reliable mechanical connection between frame components.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member incorporates self-aligning and self-locking capabilities through its integrated design. The locking feature automatically engages with the frame component in a standardized receptacle, providing self-service fastening that reduces assembly time while ensuring reliable connection without requiring multiple separate operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular frame components are used, then adaptability and ease of assembly are improved, but connection precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a precision intermediary that ensures accurate alignment between modular frame components. It provides a standardized interface with built-in geometric constraints that guide the receiving component into precise positional relationship, maintaining alignment precision despite the modular nature of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a simplified geometric constraint system. The shaped guide member and its corresponding receptacle create inherent mechanical guidance that automatically ensures precise alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for separate alignment fixtures or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly includes a first frame with a guide member extending outwardly along a first axis. A second frame has a second guide member extending outwardly. One of the first and second guide members is received in translation along the first axis by the other of the first and second guide members to connect the second frame to the first frame. A first locking element is engaged to couple the first frame to the second frame and limit translational movement of the first frame relative to the second frame. A method of assembling a seat assembly is also provided.