Vehicle Seat Height Adjustment Mechanism with Deformable Connecting Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat height adjustment mechanisms are often difficult to operate, leading to increased energy consumption and potential safety risks during accidents due to uncontrolled seat movement.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with an adjustment element featuring a rotationally fixed drive gear and output gear connected by a hollow tube connecting element, which interacts positively or non-positively with a ring gear, allowing for efficient height and inclination adjustments while serving as a target deformation element to dissipate energy during accidents, preventing gear deformation and uncontrolled seat movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a height adjustment mechanism is provided in vehicle seats, then the comfort and adaptability of the seat is improved, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a drive gear (2) connected to the adjustment means, an output gear (3) connected to the height adjustment mechanism, and a connecting element (4) linking them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting element (4) is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive gear (2) and output gear (3). This mediator transmits rotational force while allowing for controlled deformation during accidents, thus simplifying the direct connection requirements between drive and output components.
2Reliability
If the adjustment mechanism is made more robust to prevent uncontrolled movement during accidents, then safety is improved, but the energy consumption during normal operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element (4) is designed with dynamic properties that allow it to deform under extreme loads (during accidents) while maintaining rigidity during normal operation. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its stiffness based on the applied force, preventing uncontrolled movement during accidents without requiring excessive energy during normal adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element (4) is designed to change its mechanical parameters (stiffness, strength) based on the magnitude of applied forces. During normal operation, it maintains sufficient rigidity for precise adjustment with minimal energy loss. During accidents, it deforms to absorb energy and prevent catastrophic failure, thus changing its effective parameters based on operating conditions.
3Reliability
If the connecting element is designed to deform during accidents to dissipate energy, then safety is improved, but the precision of the adjustment mechanism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into rigid components (gears with precisely manufactured teeth) and a semi-rigid connecting element. This segmentation allows the precision-critical components to maintain their geometric accuracy while the connecting element provides energy dissipation capability through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the adjustment mechanism have different mechanical properties: the drive gear (2) and output gear (3) are manufactured with high precision for accurate gear engagement, while the connecting element (4) has controlled deformation characteristics for energy absorption. This local differentiation of material and structural properties allows simultaneous achievement of precision and safety.
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 solution enhances the safety and ease of operation of vehicle seat adjustments, reducing energy consumption and minimizing the risk of injury by allowing controlled seat movement and energy dissipation during accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting element is a predetermined deformation point that deforms in the event of an accident and dissipates energy in the process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising an adjusting element comprising output means equipped with an input gear wheel and an output gear wheel which are rotationally fixed together. The output gear wheel interacts with adjusting means in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.