Vehicle Seat Slide Rail Lock Clearance to Prevent Jamming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide rails for vehicle seats lack sufficient mechanical strength to withstand accidents and may experience jamming issues during sliding due to force application, which compromises their performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A slide rail system comprising a first and second slide member with a mechanical lock mechanism that provides translational clearance, allowing locking members to engage holes resiliently and maintain mechanical strength during impact, featuring a motorized drive mechanism and lock control member to selectively immobilize the second slide member, ensuring optimal mechanical strength and preventing jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lock is rigidly mounted on the second slide member, then the mechanical strength is maximized, but jamming occurs during sliding due to force application
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is mounted on the second slide member with translational clearance in the longitudinal direction, allowing the lock to move dynamically relative to the second slide member during sliding operations. This dynamic mounting prevents jamming by accommodating dimensional variations and force applications, while the lock can still engage holes in the first slide member to provide mechanical strength when needed.
2Reliability
If locking members are resiliently biased towards locked position, then the locking reliability is improved, but the locking members may jam during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The translational clearance between the lock and second slide member acts as an intermediary that absorbs and isolates harmful forces. When locking members engage holes, any jamming forces are absorbed by the clearance rather than being transmitted to the locking members, allowing them to freely engage without obstruction while maintaining resilient biasing.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lock stops travel relative to the first slide member during engagement, then precise positioning is achieved, but force is applied to the lock that may cause jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The translational clearance provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing engagement forces before they can affect the locking process. The clearance allows the lock to continue moving relative to the second slide member even when engaging holes, preventing force buildup that could cause jamming while still achieving precise positioning.
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 enhances mechanical strength and prevents jamming by allowing the locking members to engage holes without force interference, ensuring the slide rail can withstand vehicle impacts and maintain functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient actuator comprising two actuator elements resiliently biased away from each other along the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
the locking members being resiliently biased towards the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A slide rail for a vehicle seat comprises first and second slide members lockable by a lock which comprises several locking members suitable for entering holes that are part of the first slide member. The lock is mounted on the second slide member so as to provide translational clearance between the lock and the second slide member.