Vehicle Seat Slide Rail Cap for Rigidity and Rattle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat slide rail designs are prone to deformation at the end portions due to large loads, such as those experienced during vehicle collisions, leading to rattling and reduced rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A cap with a base portion matching the end surface shape of the rail and a filler portion extending towards the center is used to fill the space between the lower and upper rails, enhancing the rigidity by inhibiting separation and deformation, and attached via pawl portions without the need for fastening members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a space is provided between the lower rail and upper rail to inhibit interference during sliding, then sliding operation is enabled, but rigidity deteriorates and deformation occurs under large loads
Solution Approach 1:
The cap structure implements local quality by providing different functions at different locations: the filler portion fills the separating direction space at the engaging portion to inhibit deformation under load, while the overall cap structure still permits sliding operation. This localized reinforcement resolves the contradiction by maintaining rigidity where needed without compromising sliding functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the space between lower rail and upper rail is made large to prevent interference, then sliding is enabled, but rattling increases and deformation tendency increases under load
Solution Approach 1:
The cap acts as an intermediary element that fills the space between the lower rail and upper rail at the engaging portion. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact and rattling between the rails while still allowing the intended sliding motion, thereby resolving the contradiction between enabling sliding and preventing rattling.
3Strength
If end portions of lower rail and upper rail are reinforced to inhibit deformation, then rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap merges multiple functions into a single component: it protects the end portion of one rail, provides rigidity reinforcement through the filler portion, and maintains sliding functionality. By combining these functions into one integrated part rather than adding separate reinforcement components, the solution improves rigidity without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a slide rail that has a lower rail and an upper rail, and a cap that is provided on an end portion in a longitudinal direction of at least one of the lower rail and the upper rail. A base portion that is adjacent to and follows an end surface shape of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower rail or the upper rail on which the cap is provided, and a filler portion that extends from the base portion toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the lower rail or the upper rail on which the cap is provided, and that fills a space in a separating direction of the lower rail and the upper rail, are provided on the cap.