Vehicle Seat Support Linkage for Independent Tilt and Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat support structures face challenges in optimizing design space for integrating components like actuators and batteries, avoiding contact with tracks, and ensuring structural robustness while meeting crash requirements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat support structure with a seat cushion frame element and backrest frame element, supported by a crank and rear link, utilizing two actuators for independent adjustments of tilt angle and height, with a design that includes a crank lever and rear link lever to optimize space and robustness, and incorporates electric motors and transmissions for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a five-link mechanism with parallel axes of rotation is used for seat adjustment, then the tilt angle and height can be adjusted, but the design space for integrating components like actuators and batteries is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-parallel axes of rotation in the five-link mechanism, allowing the mechanism to dynamically adapt its configuration. This dynamic design enables better space utilization by allowing components to be positioned in previously inaccessible areas, thus improving adaptability while optimizing the use of available design space.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from parallel to non-parallel axes of rotation, the mechanism introduces a new dimensional relationship between moving parts. This dimensional change allows for more flexible component placement in three-dimensional space, effectively increasing the usable design space for integrating actuators, batteries, and other components.
2Volume of moving object
If the seat support structure components are positioned closer together to optimize space, then design space utilization improves, but the risk of contact with tracks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-parallel axes of rotation create an asymmetric motion pattern for the seat support structure. This asymmetric movement trajectory allows components to navigate around track locations, maintaining compact positioning while avoiding contact with tracks through carefully designed non-linear motion paths.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used to optimize space, then design space utilization improves, but structural robustness and crash requirement fulfillment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates crash elements and reinforcement structures in advance within the compact five-link mechanism design. By pre-positioning these protective features during the design phase, the structure maintains robustness and meets crash requirements without requiring additional space, as the safety features are integrated into the existing compact configuration.
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
Enhances design space utilization, avoids interference with tracks, and improves structural robustness while meeting crash requirements, allowing for efficient and coordinated adjustments of seat tilt and height.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuator (18) and the second actuator (19) each comprise an electric motor (20, 22)
Implementation Method 2
and a transmission (21, 23)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat support structure (1). A seat cushion frame element (2) is supported by a front link (4) and a rear link (10). The rear link (10) is pivotally linked by a second rear link joint (11) to a vehicle seat base (8). The front link (4) is pivotally linked by a second front link joint (5) to a crank (6). The crank (6) is pivotally linked by a crank joint (7) to the vehicle seat base (8). A first actuator (18) is linked to the crank (6). An actuation of the first actuator (18) is in particular used for adjusting a tilt angle of the seat cushion frame element (2). A second actuator (19) is linked to the rear link (10). An actuation of the second actuator (19) is in particular used for adjusting the height of the seat cushion frame element (2).