Seat Rail Quick Connection With Auto-Centering Gearbox Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat positioning systems lack efficient power adjustment capabilities that allow for quick and flexible reconfiguration of interior space, particularly in multi-purpose and autonomous vehicles, where seats need to be easily removed and repositioned to accommodate varying functions and cargo needs.
Innovation Solution
A long rail assembly with a power rail drive system that includes an auto-centering quick connection mechanism between the vehicle seat and the drive wheel, enabling smooth sliding movement and automatic alignment for efficient seat repositioning, utilizing a gearbox assembly with a drive gear and worm gear configuration to transfer torque and facilitate quick connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power adjustment capability is integrated into the vehicle seat positioning system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable modules: a movable seat assembly with its own motor and gearbox, and a stationary rail assembly. This segmentation allows the power adjustment capability to be isolated to the seat portion, improving ease of operation while containing the complexity within a modular unit that can be independently managed and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the seat and rail assemblies is made dynamically changeable through a quick connection mechanism with engageable latches. This allows the system to transition between connected (power adjustment active) and disconnected (manual reconfiguration possible) states, providing operational flexibility without permanently increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seats are designed to be removably attached for reconfiguration, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of the connection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connection mechanism includes pre-positioned guide pins and aligned engagement surfaces that automatically guide the seat into proper alignment during attachment. The latches are pre-configured in a ready-to-engage state, ensuring that when connection is initiated, the components align and secure reliably without requiring complex adjustment procedures during the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto-centering feature allows the movable seat assembly to self-align with the stationary rail assembly during the connection process. The guide pins and engagement surfaces are designed to automatically find their correct positions, enabling the system to self-correct minor misalignments and achieve reliable connection without external intervention or complex alignment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If a quick connection mechanism is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-centering mechanism with guide pins and aligned engagement surfaces enables the quick connection to automatically compensate for minor manufacturing tolerances. The self-aligning features allow the components to find their correct positions during assembly, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining fast attachment speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connection mechanism uses asymmetric guide pin configurations and engagement surfaces that are designed to guide alignment in the critical directions while being tolerant of variations in less critical dimensions. This asymmetric design allows for faster connection by providing positive guidance where needed while accepting broader tolerances elsewhere, balancing manufacturing precision requirements with attachment productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A long rail assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a fixed long rail, a rail drive assembly having a drive wheel for transposing the rail drive assembly along the fixed long rail, an upper gearbox attached to a vehicle seat, and an auto-centering quick connection mechanism for operatively coupling a guide pin extending from the upper gearbox to the drive wheel when the vehicle seat is attached to the rail drive assembly. The auto-centering quick connection mechanism further automatically rotates the guide pin to a home position when the vehicle seat is decoupled from the rail drive assembly.