Vehicle Seat Link Integrating Tilt and Lift Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs require separate spaces and additional parts for independent seat lifter and tilt mechanisms, making it difficult to reduce space and simplify assembly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design that integrates a tiltable frame, sector-shaped link element, and a single pin to support multiple mechanism components, reducing the number of parts and increasing space within the seat cushion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate spaces are arranged for accommodating the seat lifter mechanism and tilt mechanism independently, then each mechanism can function reliably, but the space for the seat cushion is reduced and additional parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the seat lifter mechanism and tilt mechanism into a shared spatial arrangement. The link element serves dual purposes: it acts as both a seat lifter link and a tilt mechanism component. The gear case is positioned to share space with the link element, eliminating the need for separate accommodation spaces for each mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The link element is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a structural component for the seat lifter mechanism and as a mounting structure for the tilt mechanism. The arcuate hole in the link element allows it to function as both a mechanical link and a spatial container for the gear case, reducing overall part count and space requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If additional parts are used to accommodate both mechanisms independently, then each mechanism can be assembled separately, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer parts. The link element integrates both seat lifter and tilt mechanism functions. The gear case is positioned to share the link element's space rather than requiring a separate housing. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining separate assembly capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The link element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical link for the seat lifter, provides mounting structure for the tilt mechanism, and contains the gear case through its arcuate hole. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated parts needed for each mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate spaces are arranged for the two mechanisms, then each mechanism can be designed independently, but the seat cushion space is reduced and part count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spatial requirements of both mechanisms into a shared volume. The gear case is positioned to overlap with the link element's space rather than requiring a separate dedicated space. This merging allows independent design of each mechanism while reducing the total quantity of parts and space required.
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
This integration reduces the number of parts required, simplifies the assembly process, and widens the space within the seat cushion, allowing for more efficient use of space and easier assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion (4A) which is in a meshed engagement with the sector gear portion (5c)
Implementation Method 2
an upper end portion of the link element and a second end portion of the substantially sector-shaped link element are collectively disposed at the pin so as to overlap each other
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle seat including a link for raising and lowering the seat and a tilt pan disposed forwardly of seat cushion frame of the seat. Rotatably provided to the seat cushion frame is an actuator link having: one end portion pivoted to the tilt pan; and another end portion formed with sector gear portion and arcuate hole. A pin for supporting a gear case having a pinion meshed with the sector gear portion is fixed to the seat cushion frame. Such pin is used with both of the link and actuator link, in common. Namely, an upper end portion of the link and the afore-said another end portion of actuator link are collectively disposed at that pin so as to overlap each other, and the upper end portion of link is pivotally connected to the pin, whereas the pin passes through the arcuate hole of actuator link.