Vehicle Seat Height Mechanism with Freewheel Fine Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle seat adjustment mechanisms are limited by the motor capabilities of the user, making fine adjustments difficult.
Innovation Solution
A device for a vehicle seat adjustment mechanism that includes a drive element with two unilaterally acting freewheels and a restoring device, allowing for precise control and automatic return to a neutral position, enabling fine adjustments independent of user motor strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional adjustment mechanism with two unilaterally acting freewheels is used, then the mechanism can be operated in both directions of rotation, but the fineness of adjustment depends on the motor capabilities of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic switching mechanism between two freewheels (first and second freewheels) that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. The switching device allows the system to transition between different operational states: using only the first freewheel for fine adjustment, only the second freewheel for coarse adjustment, or both simultaneously. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the adjustment fineness to be decoupled from user motor capabilities by allowing selection of the most appropriate freewheel based on the desired adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent freewheel systems (first freewheel and second freewheel) with different adjustment characteristics. The first freewheel is optimized for fine adjustment while the second freewheel provides coarser adjustment. By dividing the adjustment function into separate segments and allowing selective engagement through the switching device, the system achieves both fine and coarse adjustment capabilities without being limited by user motor strength alone.
2Measurement precision
If both freewheels are always in engagement, then the mechanism provides continuous adjustment capability, but fine adjustment precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device enables dynamic control over which freewheel is engaged, allowing the system to transition between states of having one freewheel engaged, both freewheels engaged, or neither engaged. For fine adjustment operations, the switching device disengages the second freewheel while keeping the first freewheel engaged, eliminating interference and maximizing adjustment precision. When continuous adjustment capability is needed, both freewheels can be engaged simultaneously, providing flexibility to balance precision and productivity based on operational requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the unlocking device is used to bring one freewheel out of engagement, then fine adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can disengage either the first or second freewheel independently, it can disengage both freewheels simultaneously, and it can re-engage them. This multi-functional switching mechanism consolidates what would otherwise require separate unlocking mechanisms for each freewheel into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enabling fine adjustment capability through selective disengagement of the second freewheel.
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 precise and fine adjustments of the vehicle seat height without relying on user motor capabilities, allowing for automatic return to a predefined neutral position, enhancing user convenience and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring element (68) configured as a restoring device for the drive element (14) is provided. When the drive element (14) is deflected, the first spring element (68) acts in the direction of the neutral position of the drive element (14).
Implementation Method 2
The pawls (38, 40) are spring-loaded, in particular in such a way that they are in each case spring-loaded for engaging in a toothing... A second spring (32) is held by a bearing pin (30) and loads the pawls (38, 40).
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat, comprising a drive element which can be driven in opposite directions of rotation, and a driven element which can be driven by means of this drive element, and also comprising two unilaterally acting freewheels which are arranged between this drive element and this driven element and are connected to run in opposite directions, and of which in each case one can be brought out of engagement by means of an unlocking device, and further comprising a restoring device, by means of which the drive element can automatically be brought back into the neutral position when it is deflected out of its neutral position, wherein, in order to allow a fine adjustability of the driven element driven by the drive element, the pivotability of the drive element is limited by means of two stops.