Manual Seat Height Adjuster Using Epicycloid Gear Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual seat height adjustment mechanisms in vehicles require increased user effort due to their design, leading to user fatigue and discomfort, as they often necessitate substantial lever operation and space considerations.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated seat height adjustment actuator mechanism utilizing an epicycloid gear transmission with eccentric gearing, comprising a planetary gear assembly and a cycloidal drive assembly, which reduces user effort by providing sufficient torque with minimal operator input, and includes a worm gear driving eccentric pins to engage an output pinion for seat height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual seat height adjustment mechanisms use lever-driven mechanisms, then user effort is reduced, but device complexity and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested gear arrangement where a small pinion gear is positioned within the confines of a larger gear structure. The pinion engages with teeth on the adjustment mechanism, creating a compact torque multiplication system that eliminates the need for external levers while reducing user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a vertical stacking arrangement of gears along the seat post, transforming the horizontal space requirements of lever mechanisms into vertical compactness. This dimensional reorganization allows the adjustment mechanism to fit within the limited space of the seat structure while maintaining mechanical advantage.
2Ease of operation
If manual seat height adjustment mechanisms use lever-driven mechanisms, then user effort is reduced, but accessibility and user finding difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the adjustment mechanism directly into the seat structure, merging the actuation interface with the seat's existing components. The adjustment control becomes part of the seat's normal structure, making it immediately visible and accessible without requiring users to search for separate lever components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the adjustment mechanism to serve multiple functions within a single integrated structure. The same gear system that provides torque multiplication also serves as the visible interface and control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate access points and making the function self-evident to users.
3Ease of operation
If motorized seat height adjustment systems are used, then user effort is minimized, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-contained manual adjustment mechanism that uses spring-loaded detents and gear engagement to provide automatic positioning and locking. The system serves itself by using the user's input force to both move and secure the seat at the desired height, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves torque multiplication through mechanical parameter changes in the gear system rather than electrical power input. By varying the gear ratios and using a compact pinion design, the system transforms small user input forces into sufficient adjustment torque, providing motorized-level ease of operation with manual simplicity.
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
The mechanism significantly reduces user fatigue by providing efficient torque output with minimal operator effort, ensuring comfortable and effective manual operation of seat height adjustments, while maintaining the set height without reverse operation.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear assembly including a ring gear, cooperating sets of orbiting planetary gears engaging the ring gear and a common sun gear
Implementation Method 2
reduces the user effort necessary to provide sufficient torque to drive the mechanism
Implementation Method 3
a worm gear driving eccentric pins
Implementation Method 4
eccentric pins and a cycloidal drive assembly comprising a pair of eccentrically driven gears engaged by the eccentric pins
Implementation Method 5
epicycloid gear transmission having eccentric gearing
Implementation Method 6
cycloidal drive assembly comprising a pair of eccentrically driven gears engaged by the eccentric pins
Implementation Method 7
an output pinion configured to engage a gear segment operatively linked to a seat height adjustment mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A manually operated seat height adjustment actuator mechanism includes a rotatory actuator-driven torque input mechanism defining a first axis and a torque output mechanism defining a second axis offset from the first axis. The rotatory actuator-driven torque input mechanism is provided by a planetary gear assembly. The torque output mechanism comprises a cycloidal drive assembly including eccentrically driven gears. Linking gearing operatively links the torque input mechanism and the torque output mechanism. The eccentrically driven gears engage an output pinion configured to engage a gear segment of a seat height adjustment mechanism for raising and lowering a seat.