Vehicle Seat Height Adjustment via Vertical Control Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat height adjustment systems require significant horizontal space, making it impossible to accommodate additional items like a warning triangle, tool set, or fire extinguisher under the seat frame, and they often rely on weight-dependent mechanisms that are not cost-effective or space-efficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a height-adjustable frame using a cable pull mechanism and a cam disk control link that allows for independent height adjustment and weight-independent level control, utilizing a valve device with rocker arms and check valves to manage gas spring airflow, enabling compact and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional height adjustment systems are used, then height adjustment function is provided, but horizontal space is significantly occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The control link is arranged substantially in a vertical direction instead of horizontally, changing the spatial dimension from horizontal to vertical. This allows the height adjustment system to occupy minimal horizontal space while maintaining full height adjustment functionality through vertical arrangement of the control link and valve device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control link serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for height adjustment and the structural element connecting to the valve device. By integrating these functions into a single component, the system reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby reducing horizontal space occupation while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If weight-dependent mechanisms are used, then automatic level control is achieved, but cost-effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control link is designed to automatically return to its neutral position after actuation without requiring complex sensors or electronic control systems. The self-returning mechanism provides reliable level control while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using simple mechanical design principles rather than expensive electronic weight-dependent mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex control mechanisms are used, then precise height adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control link acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates user input into precise height adjustment. By using the control link as a mechanical mediator between the user and the valve device, precise height adjustment is achieved through simple mechanical leverage rather than complex electronic control systems, thereby reducing overall device 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
The solution provides a simplified, space-efficient, and cost-effective means to adjust seat height and maintain level control independently of weight, allowing for a compact design that can accommodate additional items under the seat without compromising functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring arranged between the seat frame parts for height adjustment
Implementation Method 2
the control link has at least one rolling surface for the cable pull, which rolls around at least in sections
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vehicle seat (1) with a height-adjustable seat frame (2) is provided, which has at least two seat frame parts (3, 4) movable relative to each other and at least one gas spring (10) arranged between the seat frame parts (3, 4) for height adjustment, with at least one control device (12) provided for influencing the gas spring (10), which has at least one valve device (14) with control valves (15, 16) attached to a first seat frame part (3) for controlling gas flows for the gas spring (10) and a control cam (17) provided on a second seat frame part (4) for controlling the control valves (15, 16), so that a predefinable height of the vehicle seat (1) is ensured regardless of any weight load on the vehicle seat (1), wherein the control cam (17) is adjusted by means of an adjustment device (18) independently of a relative position of the seat frame parts (3, 4).4) is adjustable in such a way that a movement of the control cam (17) relative to the second seat frame part (4) effected by the adjustment device (18) causes a height adjustment of the vehicle seat (1).