Longitudinal Seat Rail Drive Layout for Flat Vehicle Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing longitudinal seat adjustment units in motor vehicles protrude components into the passenger compartment, which is not suitable for modern interior concepts requiring a flat vehicle floor and versatile seating arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal seat adjustment unit with two drive trains driven by a common electric drive device, utilizing two transmission units connected in series to generate propulsion along the longitudinal axis, allowing for adjustable seat positions without protruding components into the passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional single drive train with direct spindle connection is used, then the structure is simple, but components protrude into the passenger compartment and the floor cannot be flat
Solution Approach 1:
The drive train is divided into two separate transmission units (first transmission unit and second transmission unit) that are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the drive mechanism to be distributed over a longer distance, enabling a flat floor design while maintaining structural simplicity through modular arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a direct vertical connection to the floor to a distributed longitudinal arrangement. By spacing the two transmission units apart along the longitudinal axis and connecting them via a shaft, the system achieves floor flatness without sacrificing structural simplicity
2Volume of moving object
If the spindle is positioned closer to the seat for compact design, then the structure is compact, but the travel distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the drive mechanism along the longitudinal axis by spacing the two transmission units apart, effectively using the longitudinal dimension to increase travel distance while maintaining a compact transverse footprint. This allows the seat to travel longer distances without increasing the overall structural volume
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a level vehicle floor is implemented for safety and versatility, then safety and ergonomics are improved, but the seat adjustment mechanism cannot be directly connected to the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shaft as an intermediary element connecting the two transmission units. This shaft acts as a mediator that transmits rotational force between the spaced-apart transmission units, enabling floor-level mounting without direct connection while maintaining a relatively simple mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the drive train into two separate transmission units that can be independently positioned along the longitudinal axis, the system achieves flexible mounting on a flat floor while keeping each individual transmission unit relatively simple in design
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
Enables long travel distances and a level vehicle floor, enhancing safety and ergonomics while allowing for adaptable seating arrangements, and providing high crash resistance suitable for integral belt seats.
Implementation Method 1
a common electric drive device (22), wherein the second transmission unit (32) of each drive train (24) is connected to the common electric drive device (22) via the first transmission unit (31) in order to generate a propulsion in the longitudinal axis (X)
Implementation Method 2
each of the drive trains (24) has a first transmission unit (31) and a second transmission unit (32), wherein the second transmission unit (32) of each drive train (24) is connected to the common electric drive device (22) via the first transmission unit (31)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a longitudinal seat adjustment unit (2), comprising a drive device (22), two rails (40) each with at least one spindle (42), which are arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) and so as to be spaced apart from each other, and two drive trains (24) that can be driven by the drive device (22), wherein each of the drive trains (24) has a first transmission unit (31) and a second transmission unit (32), and the second transmission unit (32) is coupled to the drive device (22) via the first transmission unit (31), and wherein the second transmission unit (32) of the respective propulsion train (24) is coupled to one of the rails (40) in order to generate a propulsion in the longitudinal axis (X).