Vehicle Seat Motor Bracket With Elastomeric Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powered seat track assemblies for vehicles face challenges in installation and mounting, performance, and manufacturing cost, with a need for an improved design that enhances these aspects.
Innovation Solution
A motor mount bracket with an elastomeric attachment member, featuring a triangular vertical flange and trapezoidal underside surface, is used to securely attach and align the motor within the vehicle seat assembly, allowing for efficient adjustment and reducing noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid attachment methods are used to mount the motor to the bracket, then the motor is securely fixed, but noise and vibration increase during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the attachment member from rigid to elastomeric. The elastomeric material provides both secure fixation and vibration damping, resolving the contradiction between reliable mounting and noise reduction. The elastic properties allow the material to deform and absorb vibrational energy while maintaining firm attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment member is made of elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility and structural integrity. This composite approach allows the single piece to function both as a secure mount and as a vibration isolator, eliminating noise and vibration while maintaining reliable motor fixation.
2Reliability
If complex mounting brackets with multiple fasteners are used, then the motor is securely attached, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single elastomeric attachment member. The attachment member integrates the functions of mounting, alignment, and vibration isolation that would traditionally require separate components and fasteners. This consolidation reduces installation steps and time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric attachment member is designed to be self-installing through interference fit with the motor housing. The elastic properties allow the member to deform during installation and then lock into place automatically, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures. The single-piece design self-aligns and secures the motor to the bracket.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision alignment features are added to the bracket, then motor alignment improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties of the attachment member to elastomeric, which provides inherent compliance for alignment. The elastic deformation capability allows the attachment member to accommodate minor misalignments during installation, eliminating the need for precision-machined alignment features. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining proper motor alignment.
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 facilitates easier installation, enhances performance by reducing noise and vibration, and lowers manufacturing costs through improved alignment and retention of the motor, thus improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the vehicle seat track assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric or rubber material
Implementation Method 2
enhances performance by reducing noise and vibration
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A bracket 34 for mounting a motor 32 to a vehicle seat assembly 20. The bracket including a body portion 53 having a first end 46 and a second end 48 for attachment to a vehicle seat assembly 20; a recess 54 located at the first end 46 of the body portion 53 for housing a motor 32; an attachment rib 56 extending vertically from the body portion 53 and located in the recess 54, the attachment rib 56 for attaching to the motor 32 and securing the motor 32 within the recess 54; and an attachment member 62 extending horizontally from the body portion 53 and into the recess 54, the attachment member 62 for insertion into the motor 32 and interlocking the motor 32 thereto.