Seat Rail Locking Element With Conical Projections to Eliminate Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat longitudinal-adjustment devices for vehicles face challenges in eliminating play between rails and providing a simple, secure locking mechanism without additional components, which affects the quiet operation and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A seat longitudinal-adjustment device featuring a spring-loaded locking element with conical projections that contact both the upper and lower rails, eliminating play and enabling self-locking and load-bearing actions, utilizing a combined rotational and pulling movement for unlocking, and incorporating intermediate projections for enhanced load-bearing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used, then the locking function is provided, but play between rails cannot be eliminated and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides locking through projections engaging with rail openings, eliminates play through spring preloading that presses the locking element against both rails, and enables quiet operation through the same preloading mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate play-elimination components while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs locking, play elimination, and noise reduction. The spring preloading mechanism serves multiple purposes: it ensures consistent locking force, eliminates rail play, and dampens vibrations for quiet operation, making the single component universally effective for multiple requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If play between rails is eliminated using additional components, then quiet operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring preloading of the locking element combines play elimination and noise reduction functions with the primary locking function. The preloaded spring continuously presses the locking element against both rails, eliminating gaps that cause noise during operation, while maintaining the locking capability through the engagement of projections with rail openings.
3Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but load-bearing capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The conical regions on the projections of the locking element provide self-locking capability through their geometric shape. The conical geometry converts axial loads into radial clamping forces, enhancing load-bearing capacity without adding complex mechanical locking features. This curved surface design enables the simple locking element to securely bear mechanical loads through friction and geometric interlocking.
4Strength
If conical projections are used for self-locking, then load-bearing capacity is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical regions on the projections are designed with specific geometric parameters that enable self-locking through standard manufacturing processes. By optimizing the cone angle and projection dimensions, the design achieves reliable self-locking under load while remaining compatible with conventional machining and forming operations, balancing performance with manufacturability.
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 effectively eliminates play between rails, ensures quiet operation, and provides a secure locking mechanism without additional components, enhancing the load-bearing capacity and ease of adjustment under mechanical loads.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is held in a preloaded state by means of a spring element
Implementation Method 2
a conical region of the front projection is pressed against the lower rail and a conical region of the rear projection is pressed against the upper rail
Implementation Method 3
the front projection engages with clamping or self-locking and load-bearing action into the lower rail and the rear projection engages with clamping or self-locking and load-bearing action into the upper rail
Data Source
AI summary
A device for longitudinally adjusting a seat may have one pair of rails and at least one locking element. The pair of rails formed by a top rail and a bottom rail which can be moved relative to one another. The at least one locking element being movably mounted on the top rail and blocking a movement of the top rail in the bottom rail in a locking position and releasing a movement in an unlocking position. The locking element having a number of projections which are designed in such a way that, in the locking position, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the locking element, a front projection contacts the bottom rail and a rear projection contacts the top rail or vice versa.