Seat Rail Locking Mechanism With Blocking Element Under Crash Loads
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat adjustment devices fail to maintain the locking position of the seat rails during mechanical loads, such as those encountered in accidents, leading to unwanted movements and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded locking element with a blocking element arranged between the upper and lower rails, which prevents unwanted movements by restricting or blocking horizontal and transverse displacements during mechanical loads, and is unlocked through a combined rotational and pulling movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded locking element is used to maintain the locking position during mechanical loads, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of a blocking element and cavity structure
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is nested within a cavity formed between the upper rail and lower rail, creating a compact integrated structure. The blocking element is arranged inside the cavity space, effectively utilizing the existing structural volume without adding external components, thus improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the locking element and the mechanical loads. It provides an additional blocking function that prevents unwanted movements of the locking element out of the locking position, thereby enhancing reliability through a specialized intermediate component rather than redesigning the entire locking mechanism
2Reliability
If the blocking element is arranged in a cavity between the upper and lower rails, then the protection of the blocking element is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is pre-formed between the upper rail and lower rail during the manufacturing process, creating a predetermined protected space for the blocking element. This preliminary structural preparation ensures the blocking element is automatically positioned and protected without requiring additional high-precision assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity structure is merged with the existing rail assembly, combining the protective enclosure function with the structural framework of the upper and lower rails. This integration allows the blocking element to be protected within the existing structural volume, reducing the need for separate protective housings and minimizing additional manufacturing precision requirements
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 ensures the locking element remains in the locked position during mechanical loads, preventing unwanted seat movements and maintaining the seat's longitudinal position, while allowing smooth unlocking with a simple, play-free adjustment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring-loaded locking element which is retained on the upper rail in a spring-loaded manner and, in a locking position, blocks a movement of the upper rail in the lower rail
Data Source
AI summary
A device for longitudinally adjusting a seat may have two mutually spaced rail pairs and at least one locking element. The rail pairs are each formed by an upper rail and a lower rail which are movable in relation to one another. The at least one locking element is movably mounted on the upper rail in a spring-loaded manner and, in a locking position, blocks a movement of the upper rail in the lower rail and, in an unlocking position, releases the movement. An undesired movement of the locking element out of the locking position is at least limited or blocked by a blocking element. A seat may have the device longitudinally adjusting a seat.