Vehicle Seat Inclination Linkage for Compact Crash Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle seats face challenges in absorbing strong forces during frontal collisions while maintaining a large adjustment range and compact dimensions, with existing inclination adjustment mechanisms being oversized and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle seat with a dual-actuator system using linked arm mechanisms and geared motors to adjust the seat inclination, distributing forces across both sides of the seat and increasing torque, allowing for efficient force absorption and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-sided inclination adjustment mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to absorb strong forces during frontal collision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination adjustment mechanism is divided into two separate actuator elements, one on each longitudinal side of the seat. Each actuator element has its own drive mechanism with pinion and internal gear, allowing the forces during collision to be distributed across both sides rather than concentrated on one side, thereby improving overall strength while keeping each individual actuator compact
2Device complexity
If the inclination adjustment acts only on one longitudinal side, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dimensions must be increased to absorb strong forces
Solution Approach 1:
The single large actuator is segmented into two smaller actuators distributed on both longitudinal sides of the seat. Each actuator handles half the force load, allowing compact dimensions while maintaining sufficient strength through the combined effect of both actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The two actuator elements are combined symmetrically on both sides of the seat, creating a balanced force distribution system. The merging of both actuators provides the necessary force absorption capability while each individual actuator remains compact
3Volume of moving object
If a compact inclination adjustment is used, then the space requirement is reduced, but the ability to compensate for strong forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force compensation capability is segmented across two separate actuator elements positioned on both longitudinal sides. Each compact actuator contributes to the overall force absorption, and their combined effect provides sufficient collision force compensation without requiring a single large mechanism
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of teeth of the first internal gear is at least one tooth less than the second internal gear, then the adjustment range is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism uses internal gears with different tooth counts (first internal gear has at least one tooth less than the second internal gear) to create a variable transmission ratio. This parameter variation enables a large inclination adjustment range while maintaining a relatively simple gear-based mechanism
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 effectively reduces the risk of injury by distributing strong forces across both sides of the seat during collisions, maintaining a large adjustment range, and achieving a compact design that integrates well with integrated belt systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first fitting part (13.1) is in engagement with a second fitting part (13.2), wherein the second fitting part (13.2) is driven by the first fitting part (13.1) and also executes a rotational movement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat with a seat inclination adjustment device, with a first base element, a first seat frame element and a first actuator element, wherein the actuator element has a lower link arm connected to the base element via a lower link and movably arranged relative to the base element, an upper link arm connected to the lower link arm via a middle link and movably arranged relative to the lower link arm, wherein the upper link arm is connected to the seat frame element via an upper link and is arranged movably, and an inclination adjustment fitting with a first and a second fitting part, and wherein the inclination adjustment fitting is arranged on one of the links.