Vehicle Seat Link Mechanism for Stronger Gear Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats lack sufficient strength, particularly in the link mechanisms that support the seat cushion and back, which can lead to deformation and reduced performance during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design incorporating a drive link member with an arc-shaped long hole and a restriction member to restrict pivoting range, supported by a support member and a reinforcing plate to enhance structural integrity, along with a specific distance configuration to prevent gear meshing from becoming shallow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional link mechanism is used in the height adjustment mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and reliability are insufficient leading to deformation under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is divided into multiple link members (first link member, second link member, third link member) connected by rotationally movable joints. This segmentation allows each link to be optimized for strength while maintaining overall mechanism functionality, resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The long hole is formed within the link member structure, and the restriction member is inserted into the long hole. This nesting arrangement integrates multiple functions (structural support, movement restriction, gear positioning) into a compact configuration, enhancing strength without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the gear meshing distance is reduced to compact the mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gear meshing becomes shallow reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The long hole is positioned at a specific distance from the gear meshing point, creating a localized structural feature that ensures adequate gear engagement. This local quality adjustment maintains reliable gear meshing without requiring overall mechanism enlargement, balancing reliability with controlled complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pivoting range of the drive link member is not restricted, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability is reduced causing excessive movement under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member is designed to allow pivoting within a specific range (from initial position to first limiting position) while preventing movement beyond this range. This dynamic restriction maintains operational flexibility during normal use while providing stability under impact conditions, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
4Strength
If a simple support structure is used for the gear shaft, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength is insufficient leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support member integrates multiple functions: supporting the gear shaft, providing a mounting surface for the restriction member, and serving as part of the link mechanism structure. This merging of functions strengthens the gear support without proportionally increasing complexity, as the support member is a consolidated structural element rather than multiple separate components.
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 design improves the strength and stability of the seat by preventing gear meshing shallowness and deformation, ensuring robust performance under impact conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a drive link member provided with a second gear meshing with a first gear supported by the seat cushion, and configured to be pivoted according to pivoting of the first gear
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a drive link member provided with a second gear meshing with a first gear supported by a seat cushion and pivoted according to pivoting of the first gear, a hole provided in the drive link member and having a shape along an arc of a circle centered on a pivoting center of the drive link member, a restriction member inserted into the hole, supported at one end by the seat cushion, and restricting a pivoting range of the drive link member, and a support member supporting an other end of the restriction member and support a shaft of the first gear. In a direction connecting the pivoting center and the restriction member, a distance between an edge of the hole on a second gear side and the restriction member is smaller than a distance between an opposite edge of the hole and the restriction member.