Seat Linkage Mechanism for Lightweight Height and Rake Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat adjustment mechanisms in vehicles are heavy due to the use of steel components and electric motors, making them unsuitable for frequent adjustments between different drivers, especially in consumer and high-performance vehicles where multiple drivers may use the car in a short period.
Innovation Solution
A seat adjustment device featuring two mechanisms with rotating links and an adjustable strut that allows for height and back inclination adjustments, utilizing a synchronisation mechanism to coordinate movement, and a compact design that minimizes lateral and longitudinal extension beyond the seat itself, reducing weight and enabling easy adjustment without the need for rebolting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seat adjustment mechanisms use steel components and electric motors for each class of motion, then the seat can be adjusted for different drivers, but the weight of the mechanism increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into two independent adjustment mechanisms (first and second) that can operate independently to provide different classes of motion (height adjustment and rake adjustment). Each mechanism uses a linkage system with links connected by pivots, allowing the seat to be adjusted for different drivers without requiring a single heavy integrated mechanism with multiple motors.
2Weight of moving object
If the seat is fixed in position for a particular driver, then the weight of the mechanism is reduced, but the seat cannot be easily adjusted for different drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable design using linkage systems. The first and second adjustment mechanisms with rotating links and pivots enable the seat to dynamically change position and orientation, providing adaptability for different drivers while maintaining relatively low weight through efficient mechanical design.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism provides multiple classes of motion with electric motors, then the seat can be precisely adjusted, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors with a purely mechanical linkage system consisting of links, pivots, and struts. The first and second adjustment mechanisms use mechanical advantage and geometric relationships to achieve precise seat adjustment without requiring powered actuators, thereby reducing device complexity and weight while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustment mechanism for a seat, the adjustment mechanism permitting the seat to be adjusted along a motion path that provides adjustment of height and/or back inclination of the seat, the mechanism comprising: a base part; a side part for attaching to the seat; a forward link mounted between the base part and the side part such that the forward link can rotate with respect to both the base part and the side part; a rear link mounted to the base part at a first position, the rear link mounted between the base part and the side part such that the rear link can rotate with respect to both the base part and the side part; an adjustment link attached to the rear link at a second position such that the adjustment link and rear link move in unison; and an adjustable strut mounted between the side part and the adjustment link such that the adjustable strut can rotate with respect to both the side part and the adjustment link, the adjustable strut being mounted to the adjustment link at a third position remote from the second position and mounted to the side part at a fourth position, the adjustable strut having a length running between the third position and the fourth position, the length being changeable between a minimum length and a maximum length to move the seat along the motion path by rotation of the forward and rear links with respect to the base part and side part.