Turnbuckle Seat Adjustment Linkage for Compact Zero-Gravity Packaging
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spindle drives for automotive seat lift systems are difficult to package and do not provide high-strength attachments to the seat structure, making it challenging to achieve a 'zero-gravity' adjustment feature effectively.
Innovation Solution
A turnbuckle style spindle drive front link adjusting actuator with a connector having threads oriented in different directions, allowing simultaneous movement of lead screws relative to each other, and a motor-driven mechanism for precise seat adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional spindle drives are used to achieve zero-gravity adjustment, then the seat adjustment feature can be implemented, but the device is difficult to package and cannot provide high-strength attachments to the seat structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector and lead screws into an integrated assembly where the connector houses both lead screws with opposite thread directions. This merging of components creates a compact unit that provides high-strength attachment points while simplifying packaging within the seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests the first and second lead screws within the connector housing, with each lead screw contained within the same structural envelope. This nesting arrangement allows the entire mechanism to be packaged in a compact form factor while maintaining strong external attachment points.
2Ease of operation
If the connector rotates to drive lead screw movement, then precise seat adjustment is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic thread orientations on the lead screws that convert rotational motion of the connector into precise linear movement of the lead screws. This dynamic mechanical advantage provides precise adjustment control while the self-contained nature of the mechanism keeps overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's rotation changes the engagement parameters between the threaded portions of the lead screws and the connector, converting rotational input into controlled linear displacement. This parameter transformation enables precise adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple mechanism structure.
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 provides a high-strength attachment to the seat structure while ensuring easy packaging, enabling effective 'zero-gravity' seat adjustment with enhanced structural integrity and operational control.
Implementation Method 1
The connector may have a first portion that has threads that may be configured to receive threads from the first lead screw. The connector may have a second portion that comprises threads that may be configured to receive threads from the second lead screw. The threads on the first portion of the connector and the threads on the second portion of the connector may be oriented in a different direction than one another such that the connector and the first lead screw may be configured to simultaneously move away from the second lead screw.
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment device may have a motor, a drive shaft, a worm gear, and a drive gear, and the drive gear may be directly connected to the connector and may be connected to the motor through the worm gear and drive shaft, such that the motor may rotate the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat adjustment device may have a first lead screw, a second lead screw, and a connector. A first portion of the connector may comprise threads that may be adapted to receive threads from the first lead screw. A second portion of the connector may comprise threads that are adapted to receive threads from the second lead screw.