Vehicle Seat Locking Unit Adapter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking units lack sufficient strength in the transverse direction, leading to potential buckling under lateral loads and requiring larger, heavier designs to maintain strength.
Innovation Solution
An adapter arrangement that supports the locking unit's housing in two opposite transverse directions, using high-strength materials like metal or composite sheet steel, and connecting the locking unit to the structural component via a screw connection or welding, forming a clasp for enhanced rigidity and load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the housing is screwed to the side of the structural component, then the locking unit can be assembled, but the locking strength in transverse direction is insufficient leading to buckling risk
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter arrangement is divided into two separate adapter parts that are spaced apart in the transverse direction. These two parts work together to provide distributed support to the housing, preventing buckling while maintaining assembly feasibility. The segmentation allows each part to be simpler in design while collectively achieving the required strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter arrangement acts as an intermediary component between the housing and the structural component. It transfers and distributes the transverse forces from the housing to the structural component, enhancing the locking strength without requiring direct attachment of the housing to the structural component.
2Strength
If the locking unit is designed larger to maintain strength, then the locking strength is sufficient, but the locking unit becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the size of the housing in all dimensions, the solution introduces a new dimensional aspect by adding the adapter arrangement that extends in the transverse direction. This allows the housing itself to remain compact while the overall assembly achieves the required strength through the distributed support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter arrangement combines multiple materials and structural elements (two adapter parts, fastening elements, and the housing) to create a composite assembly that achieves high strength-to-weight ratio. The distributed structure allows use of lighter materials while maintaining overall strength.
3Device complexity
If the housing is supported in only one transverse direction, then the assembly is simpler, but the load-carrying capacity in transverse direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into two separate adapter parts positioned at different locations in the transverse direction. Each part provides localized support, and together they distribute the load across multiple points, increasing the overall load-carrying capacity without requiring a single complex support structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter arrangement (100) for a vehicle seat (1) for connecting a locking unit (20) to a structural component (10) of the vehicle seat (1), wherein the locking unit (20) comprises a housing (22) and the adapter arrangement (100) supports the housing (22) in two opposite directions. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat (1) having a structural component (10) and a locking unit (20) for locking the structural component (10) with a further component (30), wherein the locking unit (20) is connected to the structural component (10) by means of an adapter arrangement (100) according to the invention.