Vehicle Seat Frame Height Control With Weight-Independent Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat height adjustment systems are complex and weight-dependent, making independent height adjustment and level control costly and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat system with a control link that can be adjusted independently of seat frame parts using an actuation device, featuring a cam disc with parallel control paths to actuate valve devices for gas spring control, allowing for simple height adjustment and weight-independent level control, utilizing energy-storing devices and flexible cables for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gas spring with valve devices is used for height adjustment, then height adjustment function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines height adjustment and level control functions into a single gas spring assembly with integrated valve devices. The first valve device controls gas flow for height adjustment while the second valve device automatically adjusts for weight changes, merging multiple control functions into one compact unit that reduces overall system complexity despite providing sophisticated control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas spring assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the main height adjustment mechanism through the first valve device, automatically compensates for weight changes through the second valve device, and maintains seat levelness. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while achieving comprehensive control.
2Reliability
If weight-dependent height adjustment is implemented, then automatic level control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second valve device is designed to automatically detect weight changes on the seat and adjust the gas spring pre-load accordingly without requiring external sensors or control systems. The mechanism uses the mechanical force of the user's weight to trigger automatic adjustment, eliminating the need for expensive electronic weight sensors and control electronics while maintaining reliable level control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve devices incorporate mechanical feedback mechanisms that automatically respond to changes in seat load. When weight is applied to the seat, the mechanical linkage triggers the second valve device to adjust gas flow and maintain the correct seat level, providing continuous automatic feedback control without electronic components.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate adjustment mechanisms are provided for height and level control, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both height adjustment and level control functions into the same gas spring assembly with coordinated valve devices. The first valve device handles coarse height adjustment while the second valve device provides fine level control, merging what could have been separate mechanisms into a unified system that achieves precise control without additional complexity.
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
Enables cost-effective, simple height adjustment and weight-independent level control, ensuring a predefinable seat height regardless of load, with rapid response and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas spring arranged between the seat frame parts for height adjustment purposes
Implementation Method 2
the control link is prestressed against an actuating force of the adjustment device by means of an energy-storing device. The energy-storing device, which may in particular be configured as a torsion spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a height-adjustable seat frame which has at least two seat frame parts which can be moved relative to one another and at least one gas spring arranged between the seat frame parts for height adjustment purposes. The seat includes a control device that acts upon the gas spring and includes a valve device attached to a first seat frame part and has control valves for actuating gas flows for the gas spring. A control link on a second frame part actuates the control valves, so that a predefinable height of the vehicle seat is ensured regardless of a weight load on the vehicle seat. Movement of the control link relative to the second seat frame part brings about a height adjustment of the vehicle seat.