Vehicle Seat Pivot Bushing for Rattle-Free Rear Access Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with rear cargo areas or third row seats experience undesirable rattling noises due to oscillations of structural elements during movement of second row seat assemblies between in-use and rear access orientations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat assembly with a pivot structure that includes link members with pivot pins and bushings, where the bushings are configured to undergo cantilevering elastic deformation, cushioning oscillations and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat assembly moves between in-use and rear access orientations, then the seat assembly achieves operational versatility and access functionality, but oscillations and rattling noises occur during movement
Solution Approach 1:
A bushing is introduced as an intermediary element between the pivot pin and the link member opening. The bushing absorbs oscillations and dampens rattling noises through its material properties, allowing the seat assembly to move between orientations smoothly without generating harmful noises.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing converts the harmful oscillations and vibrations into beneficial damping effects. By allowing controlled elastic deformation, the bushing transforms the harmful rattling motions into energy dissipation through friction and material damping, eliminating the unwanted noises while maintaining the movement functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a pivot structure with link members and pivot pins is used, then the seat assembly achieves smooth movement capability, but oscillations and rattling noises are generated during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing serves as a mediator between the pivot pin and link member, maintaining the smooth movement capability while eliminating rattling noises. It allows the pivot connection to function smoothly while dampening the harmful vibrations that would otherwise be generated by the rigid connection.
3Strength
If rigid pivot connections are used in the seat assembly, then structural strength is maintained, but oscillations produce undesirable rattling noises
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing acts as an intermediary that maintains structural strength while eliminating rattling noises. It provides a durable connection that can withstand the structural loads while its damping properties absorb the oscillations that would otherwise create harmful noises.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is typically made from composite or viscoelastic materials that combine the properties of structural strength with vibration damping capabilities. This allows the pivot connection to maintain the necessary strength while simultaneously absorbing oscillations and eliminating rattling noises.
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 bushings effectively dampen oscillations, eliminating rattling noises and ensuring quiet, smooth movement of the seat assembly between different orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing is configured to undergo cantilevering elastic deformation in order to cushion oscillations produced during movement of the seat assembly
Implementation Method 2
The bushing is configured to deflect in response to movement of the link member relative to the pivot pin... dampen oscillations that occur between pivoting structural elements
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly includes a pivot structure, a seat and a bushing. The pivot structure has at least one link member that includes a pivot pin extending through an opening in the at least one link member. The pivot pin defines a pivot axis about which the at least one link member pivots. The seat is attached to the pivot structure. The pivot structure and the seat are configured to move between a seating or in-use orientation and a rear access orientation. The bushing is fitted into the opening of the at least one link member with the pivot pin extending through the bushing. The bushing is configured to deflect in response to movement of the link member relative to the pivot pin.