Vehicle Seat Lock Rod and Nut Mechanism for Sliding Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle restraints lack a reliable mechanism to allow or block the sliding movement of vehicle seats relative to the floor, compromising occupant ergonomics and safety during vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A restraint system featuring a lock system with a rod and lock nut configuration that permits sliding movement along a predetermined path, allowing the seat to be infinitely positioned and securely locked in place, utilizing a lock nut that rotates between unlocked and locked positions to engage or disengage with the rod threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock system is integrated into the foundation to block sliding movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is integrated into the foundation structure, merging the locking function with the existing seat adjustment mechanism. The rod is coupled to the floor and the lock nut is mounted to the vehicle seat, combining multiple functions into a unified system that blocks sliding movement without adding separate complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The lock nut automatically engages with the rod threads when the vehicle seat slides along the predetermined path, providing self-locking functionality. The system uses the existing threading mechanism to automatically block or allow sliding movement based on the position and force applied, reducing the need for additional control components
2Ease of operation
If the lock nut rotates between unlocked and locked positions to engage or disengage with rod threads, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock nut is designed to rotate dynamically between unlocked and locked positions, allowing the vehicle seat to transition smoothly between movable and fixed states. The rotational movement of the lock nut engages or disengages with the rod threads, providing easy operation while maintaining reliable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is designed with distinct segments: threaded portions for engagement with the lock nut, and rod flats positioned between the threads. This segmentation allows the lock nut to engage securely at specific intervals while maintaining ease of rotation and operation
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat, a foundation, and a lock system. The foundation is configured to interconnect the vehicle seat to the floor to permit movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along a predetermined path. The lock system is configured to selectively block movement of the vehicle seat relative to the floor along the predetermined path.