Motorized Vehicle Seat Rail Automatic Impact Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat rails lack effective mechanisms to securely lock in place during impacts, especially when subjected to forces greater than a predetermined threshold, which can lead to instability and potential failure in securing the seating portion.
Innovation Solution
A rail system comprising a first and second rail member with a motorized drive mechanism, a mechanical lock, and a lock control member that automatically transitions from an unlocked to a locked position upon exceeding a force threshold, ensuring secure engagement between the rails, even with varying dimensions and materials of the drive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized drive mechanism is used to allow free movement of the rail members, then operational efficiency and ease of adjustment are improved, but the rail system becomes vulnerable to instability and failure during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The lock control member dynamically transitions between unlocked and locked positions based on impact forces. During normal operation, the rail members can move freely for adjustment. During impact, the system automatically locks to provide stability, thus adapting the system's mechanical constraints based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock control member automatically detects impact forces and triggers the locking mechanism without external intervention. The system self-activates the lock when subjected to forces greater than a predetermined threshold, eliminating the need for manual locking during impacts.
2Reliability
If the lock control member is resiliently biased to remain in actuation position, then the lock engages automatically, but the rail members cannot move freely during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing pre-positions the lock control member in the actuation position, preparing the locking mechanism for immediate engagement. However, the cam edge geometry and notch design allow the control member to be temporarily displaced to the unlocked position during normal operation, balancing automatic locking readiness with operational freedom.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock control member is mounted on the second rail member and cooperates with the driving device, then the locking mechanism integrates with the motorized drive, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock control member serves multiple functions: it controls the locking mechanism, cooperates with the driving device's cam edge, and integrates with the motorized drive system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and simplifies the overall architecture despite the mechanical integration.
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 system effectively locks the rails during impacts, enhancing the mechanical strength and stability of the vehicle seat, preventing displacement and ensuring passenger safety, while maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing clutter under the seat.
Implementation Method 1
the lock control member being resiliently biased so that the cam edge is applied against the pin
Implementation Method 2
the driving device cooperates with the lock control member by camming action to move the lock control member into actuation position
Data Source
AI summary
A rail for a vehicle seat having first and second sliding rail members driven by a motorized drive mechanism. The rail further comprises a mechanical lock actuated by a relative movement between the motorized drive mechanism and the second rail member in the event of an accident.