Seat Motor Fastening with Polygonal Torque Lock Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric motor fastening arrangements for vehicle seats lack flexibility in rotational positioning and torque locking, leading to restricted installation space and fixed electrical connection positions.

Innovation Solution

The electric motor features a fastening arrangement with motor fixing and locking elements, including a polygonal profile locking element that allows for flexible rotational positioning and secure torque locking, enabling multiple rotational positions without additional fasteners and maintaining axial immobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional fastening arrangement with mounting tabs and pins is used, then the electric motor can be attached to the seat, but the rotational position is fixed and installation space is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational positioning flexibilityVSAvoidfastening arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated locking element: the polygonal profile provides both rotational positioning (through its geometric shape) and torque locking (through engagement with the seat). This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting tabs and pins, reducing device complexity while enabling flexible rotational positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves multiple purposes: it acts as a positioning element that defines rotational orientation, a locking element that prevents torque-induced rotation, and a mounting element that secures the motor to the seat. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional fasteners are used to secure the motor, then torque locking is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque locking securityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the torque locking function with the mounting structure itself. The polygonal profile of the locking element engages with a corresponding recess in the seat to provide torque resistance, eliminating the need for separate fasteners like screws or clips that would occupy additional installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from using multiple discrete fastening elements in three-dimensional space to a two-dimensional polygonal interface that provides both positioning and locking functions. This dimensional simplification reduces the volume required for installation while maintaining reliable torque locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the motor is fixed in a specific rotational position, then the fastening is secure, but the electrical connection position cannot be flexibly selected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection positioningVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces rotational adjustability through the polygonal profile, which allows the motor to be positioned at discrete angular orientations (e.g., every 60 degrees for a hexagonal profile). This dynamic positioning capability enables flexible electrical connection routing while maintaining secure fastening, as each polygonal position provides a stable, locked orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3482480B1Fastening arrangement of an electric motor and seat
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 KEIPER SEATING MECHANISMS CO LTD
  • EP3482480B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3482480B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3482480B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening arrangement (B') of an electric motor (2), in particular for the fastening of the electric motor (2) to a seat (S), comprising – at least one motor retaining element (F1, F2) and – at least one motor locking element (A), wherein the at least one motor retaining element (F1, F2) is designed such that the electric motor (2) can be adjusted into a rotational position (D), and the at least one motor locking element (A) is designed such that the electric motor (2) can be locked in a set rotational position (D), wherein the motor locking element (A) is designed such that the electric motor (2) is retained so as to be non-displaceable in an axial direction and is secured against rotation by means of a torque lock, wherein the at least one motor locking element (A) has a polygonal profile (P), wherein the outer profile of the motor locking element (A) has multiple surfaces distributed uniformly over the circumference, which surfaces form the shape of a polygon.