Vehicle Seat Height Adjuster Torque Transfer Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat height adjusting apparatuses experience reduced operational efficiency due to backlash caused by operation and retaining clearances, and increased manufacturing costs due to the presence of a retainer for retaining engagers.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus omits the retainer for retaining engagers, using a torque transfer unit with neighboring engagers spaced apart and wedge-combined between the input shaft and clutch drum, along with an elastic member for restoration force, to transfer torque and minimize clearances, and incorporates spring washers for friction support to enhance operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retainer for retaining engagers is used, then the engagers are retained for power transfer, but operation clearance and retaining clearance are generated causing backlash and reduced operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer component is completely removed from the system. The engagers are retained through their wedge-shaped geometry and friction forces generated during operation, eliminating the need for a separate retainer component that was causing clearance and backlash issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagers are pre-configured with wedge-shaped surfaces that automatically engage and retain power transfer without requiring additional retaining components. The friction surfaces are designed to maintain engagement through the operational cycle.
2Reliability
If a retainer for retaining engagers is used, then the engagers can be retained, but the number of components increases leading to increased manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer component is eliminated from the assembly, reducing the total component count. This simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces material costs, and eliminates the need for additional assembly operations to install and secure the retainer.
3Reliability
If a retainer for retaining engagers is used, then the engagers are retained, but an additional combining process is required increasing manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the retainer component entirely, the manufacturing process eliminates the steps required to manufacture, assemble, and secure the retainer to the engagers. The engagers are installed directly into their operational positions where they self-retain through their geometric design.
4Power
If engagers are retained by a retainer, then power transfer is maintained, but backlash occurs due to operation clearance and retaining clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The engagers are designed with pre-configured wedge-shaped surfaces that maintain continuous contact during power transfer. The friction forces and geometric constraints ensure that the engagers remain engaged without creating clearance gaps, eliminating backlash while maintaining power transfer capability.
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 design prevents backlash, reduces the number of components, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the need for a retainer and minimizing clearances, while also addressing issues of reduced efficiency and noise.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member for providing an elastic restoration force for moving the torque transfer unit to its initial position
Implementation Method 2
wedge-combined between the input shaft and the clutch drum to transfer the torque
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for adjusting the height of a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes an input shaft for inputting a torque by using a lever installed at one side of the seat; an output member connected to a link means to output the torque for adjusting the height of the seat; a clutch drum interposed between the input shaft and the output member on a torque transfer path; a torque transfer unit comprising a plurality of neighboring engagers wherein the engagers disposed at two ends of the torque transfer unit are spaced apart from each other, and wedge-combined between the input shaft and the clutch drum to transfer the torque; and an elastic member for providing an elastic restoration force for moving the torque transfer unit to its initial position. According to the present invention, since a conventional retainer may be omitted, backlash caused by a retaining clearance and an operation clearance may be prevented and thus an operational efficiency may be increased. Also, an inversely input torque applied to an output member may be weakened and thus conventional problems of a reduction in operational efficiency and generation of noise may be solved.