Vehicle Seat Height Adjusting Assembly With Toothed Pawl Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjusting assemblies for vehicle seats suffer from high mechanical losses due to friction-dependent locking mechanisms, complex structures, and large sizes, which lead to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing and weight issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact adjusting assembly with a rim and locking pawls featuring internal gears and teeth, allowing for reliable motion transmission through a peg and slot mechanism, minimizing mechanical losses and enabling precise height adjustment over a wide range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If friction-based locking mechanism is used, then locking function is achieved, but mechanical losses increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical locking mechanism with a positive engagement locking mechanism using interlocking teeth on the rim and locking pawl. This substitution eliminates reliance on friction coefficients and geometry parameters, thereby minimizing mechanical losses while maintaining reliable locking function through deterministic tooth engagement.
2Reliability
If friction-based locking is used, then locking is achieved, but positive engagement cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes friction-based mechanical interaction with tooth-based positive engagement. The locking pawl's teeth mesh with the rim's internal gear teeth, providing deterministic mechanical coupling that ensures positive engagement while eliminating energy losses associated with friction-dependent locking.
3Reliability
If high number of components is used, then functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a simplified assembly. The locking pawl integrates both locking and motion transmission functions through its toothed engagement with the rim's internal gear. The actuating element directly controls the locking pawl's engagement state, eliminating the need for separate friction-based locking mechanisms and reducing overall component count while maintaining full functionality.
4Reliability
If large overall size is used, then component functionality is achieved, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated assembly. The locking pawl, rim with internal gear, and actuating element form a tightly coupled mechanism where the toothed engagement provides both locking and motion transmission in a single compact unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate friction-based locking components, reducing overall weight while maintaining full functionality.
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 reliable, compact, and efficient height adjustment mechanism with minimized mechanical losses, allowing for fine regulation of vehicle seat height within a wide interval, optimizing space and reducing weight.
Implementation Method 1
a rim (344) provided with internal gear and at least one locking pawl (36, 38) provided with teeth on its outer surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The present invention relates an adjusting assembly (100) for a height adjusting device for a vehicle seat, as well as to a height adjusting device for a vehicle seat provided with such adjusting assembly. The adjusting assembly (100) comprises an output element (10), an actuating element (20) and a motion transmission unit for transmitting motion from the actuating element to the output element. Said motion transmission unit includes a driving sub-unit (30) comprising at least one locking pawl (36, 38) which is switchable from an unlocked configuration – in which the actuating element is disconnected from the output element – to a locked configuration – in which the actuating element is in a motion transmission connection with the output element. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjusting assembly comprises two locking pawls, i.e. an upper pawl (36) and a lower pawl (38) which can be rotated in opposite directions.