Vehicle Seat Height Adjustment Helical Barrel Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seating assemblies lack effective vertical adjustment mechanisms to accommodate varying occupant statures, limiting comfort and customization.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly with a base assembly that includes an outer portion with a vertically extending engagement slot and an inner portion with a helically extending track, where a bearing is movable along the slot and track, and an actuator rotates the barrel to vertically translate the inner portion relative to the outer portion, allowing for adjustable height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vertical adjustment mechanism is added to the seating assembly, then the adaptability for varying occupant statures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is nested within the engagement slot and receiving well structure, with the inner portion containing the barrel and bearing assembly within the outer portion. This nesting approach allows the adjustment mechanism to be integrated into the existing seat base structure without requiring separate external components, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transforms the static seat base into a dynamic adjustable structure through the rotatable barrel with helical track and movable bearing. The bearing can move along the engagement slot and track simultaneously, enabling vertical translation of the inner portion relative to the outer portion when the barrel rotates, thus providing height adjustment capability
2Ease of operation
If a bearing movable along engagement slot and helical track is used, then the vertical translation capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing incorporates a low-friction bushing that interacts with the helical track and engagement slot. The curved helical path of the track combined with the cylindrical bearing allows for smooth vertical translation motion. The rounded geometry of the bearing and bushing interface facilitates movement along the curved helical path while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The low-friction bushing acts as an intermediary element between the bearing and the helical track/engagement slot. This bushing reduces friction and wear during the vertical translation motion, allowing the mechanism to operate smoothly without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the track and slot surfaces
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 adjustable height of the seating assembly, enhancing comfort and customization by allowing users to adjust the seat height based on preference and floor height, while providing a stable and load-distributed seating experience.
Implementation Method 1
The barrel defines a track extending helically from a lower end of the barrel to an upper end of the barrel. A bearing is received by the engagement slot, the receiving well, and the track. The bearing is movable along the engagement slot and the track simultaneously.
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the barrel is configured to vertically translate the inner portion relative to the outer portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly includes a shell assembly having a seat base coupled with a seatback. A base assembly is operably coupled with the shell assembly. The base assembly includes an outer portion defining an opening and an engagement slot. An inner portion is positioned through the opening of the outer portion. The inner portion includes a sidewall defining a receiving well. A barrel is positioned around the inner portion. The barrel defines a track extending helically from a lower end of the barrel to an upper end of the barrel. A bearing is received by the engagement slot, the receiving well, and the track. The bearing is movable along the engagement slot and the track simultaneously. An actuator is operably coupled with the barrel and is configured to rotate the barrel. Rotation of the barrel is configured to vertically translate the inner portion relative to the outer portion.