Vehicle Seat Lifter Rotation Control via Radial Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat lifter apparatuses for vehicles have a complex construction and difficulty in downsizing due to the coaxial arrangement of two clutch portions, which limits their mountability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A seat lifter apparatus with a link mechanism, sector gear, pinion gear, operation handle, and a rotation control apparatus that includes a ratchet wheel, engagement lever, and drive lever, allowing for simplified control and downsizing through a neutral position mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two clutch portions are coaxially arranged side by side in the rotation control apparatus, then the pinion gear can be driven to rotate with rotation position maintenance, but the device complexity increases and mountability to the side of the seat deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control apparatus is segmented into functionally independent components: a ratchet mechanism for one-directional rotation control and a clutch mechanism for rotation position maintenance. These segments are arranged radially around the pinion gear rather than coaxially, reducing overall complexity while maintaining both rotation control and position maintenance functions
Solution Approach 2:
The arrangement of control components transitions from a one-dimensional coaxial arrangement to a two-dimensional radial arrangement around the pinion gear. This dimensional change allows multiple control functions to coexist with reduced spatial interference, improving mountability while maintaining functional reliability
2Reliability
If two clutch portions are coaxially arranged side by side in the rotation control apparatus, then rotation control functionality is achieved, but the apparatus cannot be downsized
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rotation control functions (ratchet mechanism, clutch mechanisms, engagement levers) are merged into a compact radial arrangement around the pinion gear. This consolidation reduces the overall apparatus volume while maintaining complete rotation control functionality, enabling downsizing without sacrificing performance
3Reliability
If two clutch portions are coaxially arranged side by side in the rotation control apparatus, then rotation control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control apparatus is divided into modular segments (ratchet mechanism, engagement lever, clutch mechanism) that can be independently assembled and positioned radially around the pinion gear. This segmentation simplifies the mounting process while maintaining rotation control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement transitions from complex coaxial alignment to simpler radial positioning around the pinion gear. This dimensional change facilitates easier assembly and installation while preserving the rotation control function
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 apparatus achieves efficient up-down seat adjustment with improved mountability and reliability, ensuring stable seat positioning and enhanced operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet wheel integrally rotating with the pinion gear by sharing a rotation shaft with the pinion gear, an engagement lever configured to restrict a rotation of the pinion gear by engaging with the ratchet wheel
Implementation Method 2
a sector gear integrally rotating with the link member by sharing a rotation shaft with the link member, a pinion gear meshed with the sector gear
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation control apparatus includes an engagement lever configured to restrict a rotation of a pinion gear by engaging with a ratchet wheel and a drive lever driving and rotating the pinion gear in a direction where a seat moves upward by integrally rotating with an operation member in a state where the drive lever engages with the ratchet wheel based on a rotation operation of an operation handle in a first direction. The engagement lever disengages from the ratchet wheel by the rotation of the pinion gear in a case where the seat moves upward. The rotation control apparatus further includes an engagement lever control piece and a drive lever control piece which cause the engagement lever and the drive lever respectively to disengage from the ratchet wheel based on the rotation operation of the operation handle in a second direction.