Seat Slide Handle Clearance Structure for Delayed Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat sliding devices for vehicles face challenges in simplifying the structure to allow the operation handle to turn in both the lock release and anti-lock release directions without phase differences between left and right seat sliding devices, leading to potential premature lock release and structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A seat sliding device with a lock release lever and operation handle system where the biasing member biases the lock release lever in the lock release direction with a weaker force than the lock direction, and includes upper and lower support surfaces with gaps to facilitate smooth operation handle movement, allowing it to turn in both directions with a simpler structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the biasing member always biases in a direction maintaining both lower and upper supported portions in a supported state, then the operation stroke of the operation handle can be reduced, but the time from the start of movement of the operation handle to the release of the lock is shortened, and thus an operator may feel that the lock is released earlier than the operator thinks
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple clearances: a first clearance between the operation handle and the lock release lever, and a second clearance between the operation handle and the upper rail. This segmentation allows different phases of operation handle movement to be handled differently, enabling the operation handle to turn freely within the first clearance without immediately actuating the lock release lever, thus delaying the perceived lock release timing while maintaining short operation stroke.
2Ease of operation
If a clearance is provided between the operation handle and the lock release lever to allow turning in the anti-lock release direction, then the structure becomes more complex, but if no clearance is provided, the operation handle cannot turn freely
Solution Approach 1:
The clearances (both the first clearance between the operation handle and lock release lever, and the second clearance between the operation handle and upper rail) serve multiple functions: they allow the operation handle to turn freely in both lock release and anti-lock release directions, absorb phase differences between left and right seat sliding devices, and prevent premature lock release. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall structure compared to providing separate mechanisms for each function.
3Reliability
If the operation handle is a rigid body for connecting left and right seat sliding devices, then the lock release lever can be turned in the lock release direction in the standby state due to a phase difference of the left and right seat sliding devices, but a clearance must be provided which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance structure provides dynamic adjustment capability: when phase differences occur between left and right seat sliding devices, the operation handle can move downward within the clearance range without turning the lock release lever. The clearances act as buffers that absorb dynamic variations while maintaining system reliability, preventing erroneous lock release in standby state without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
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 the operation handle to turn effectively in both lock release and anti-lock release directions, reducing the risk of premature lock release and simplifying the structure, thereby improving user experience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the front end of the lock release lever in the lock release direction with a biasing force weaker than a biasing force biasing the lock portions in the lock direction
Data Source
AI summary
A front upper support surface and a rear upper support surface facing an upper surface of a rear end of an operation handle are provided in a lock release lever with a gap between the front upper support surface and the rear upper support surface in the vehicle front-rear direction, and front lower support surfaces are provided below the front upper support surface. An upper rail is provided with a rear lower support surface, which is positioned below a rear upper support surface. A clearance is provided between the front lower support surface and a lower surface of a rear end of the operation handle, and a clearance is provided between the rear lower support surface and the lower surface of the rear end of the operation handle.