Vehicle Seat Lift Mechanism Using Single-Motor Rack Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat elevating devices in vehicles have fixed movable directions, requiring reassembly of the vehicle to change seat movement directions and lack stable support and height adjustment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A seat elevating device with a support unit, driving unit, and elevating unit, utilizing a single motor for height adjustment, featuring a gear engagement mechanism and shock absorbers for stable load distribution and directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor is used for height adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A self-locking rack gear mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the single motor and the seat elevating system. The rack gear's self-locking property prevents back-driving, ensuring that the seat position remains stable without requiring additional motors or complex control systems. This mechanical intermediary maintains reliability while simplifying the overall device structure.
2Strength
If gear engagement mechanism is used, then mechanical advantage and load distribution are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear engagement mechanism is integrated directly into the existing rack structure, merging the load distribution function with the elevating mechanism. The teeth on the rack serve dual purposes: guiding the vertical movement and providing gear engagement for force transmission. This consolidation achieves improved load distribution without adding separate complex mechanical components.
3Reliability
If shock absorbers are added for impact absorption, then occupant comfort is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption function is achieved by converting the harmful impact forces into beneficial mechanical energy storage and dissipation through the gear-rack engagement. During impact, the gear teeth engage with the rack teeth, creating friction and deformation that dissipate impact energy. The self-locking mechanism also prevents sudden movements, converting potential harmful kinetic energy into controlled mechanical resistance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If movable directions are made adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elevating device is divided into modular components: a standardized motor unit, an adjustable rack-gear assembly, and mounting brackets. The rack can be oriented at different angles or positions while maintaining the same basic mechanism structure. This segmentation allows the same manufactured components to be assembled in different configurations to achieve various movement directions, improving adaptability without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration.
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 easy adjustment of seat height and movement direction using an electric mechanism, providing stable motor support and effective load distribution during impacts, without the need for reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elevating unit (400) connected to the drive shaft (631) through a gear engagement
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorber (280) structured such that a first end portion thereof is pivotably coupled to a side surface of the support unit (200)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a seat elevating device capable of elevating a seat by driving a single motor. The seat elevating device includes a support unit, a driving unit, and an elevating unit. The support unit having a first end coupled to a body of a vehicle and a second end extending upward from the first end to surround a space and connected to a first end and a second end of a bar. The driving unit is coupled to an inner side surface of the support unit and equipped with a drive shaft on a side surface thereof. The elevating unit is connected to the drive shaft via a gear unit and is provided with a groove to receive the bar so that the bar slides along the groove. The elevating unit is slidable because it is engaged with the gear unit connected to the drive shaft via a rack gear that extends in parallel with a sliding movement direction of the elevating unit.