Vehicle Seat Rail Memory Actuation via Nested Gear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing longitudinal adjusters for vehicle seats lack the ability to activate a blocking element from above or below, which is necessary for precise control and safety features such as blocking movement when a stored memory position is reached, particularly in scenarios like frontal collisions.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal adjuster system that includes a memory device, a gear mechanism, and an actuating arm to control a blocking element, allowing the blocking element to be activated when the stored longitudinal position is reached, with options for mounting and spring-loaded mechanisms for precise control and movement restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking element is added to prevent movement at stored memory positions, then safety and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is nested within the memory device housing, with the actuating arm integrated into the same housing structure. The gear mechanism is contained within the housing, creating a compact nested arrangement where multiple functional elements coexist in a single integrated unit, thereby adding safety functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating arm serves as an intermediary element that translates gear rotation into blocking element actuation. This mediator component enables the gear mechanism to control the blocking element indirectly, providing precise control while maintaining a clear separation between the detection function (memory device) and the execution function (blocking element), thus managing complexity through functional decomposition
2Measurement precision
If a gear mechanism is used to control the blocking element, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism automatically engages with the toothed rack as the seat rail moves, and the actuating arm automatically translates gear rotation into blocking element actuation without requiring external control systems. The memory device itself drives the blocking element through the gear mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control electronics, thereby achieving precise positioning while keeping the device relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic or hydraulic positioning systems with a purely mechanical gear and rack mechanism. The gear converts rotational movement into precise linear positioning of the blocking element, providing accurate control at the stored memory position without requiring complex electronic sensors, controllers, or power systems
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 precise control and safety features by blocking the first seat rail relative to the second seat rail at the stored memory position, enhancing user access and safety during vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded blocking element, which, in a position-restricted manner, can be brought into engagement with the second seat rail
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a longitudinal adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat (1), comprising a first seat rail (2) and a second seat rail (4), relative to which the first seat rail (2) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a memory device (22; 122) is provided which is assigned to the first seat rail (2), interacts with the second seat rail (4) and stores a set longitudinal seat position which is left and resumed by a longitudinal displacement of the vehicle seat (1) being carried out. A gearing (30; 130) which can be brought into operative connection with the second seat rail (4) and an actuating arm (24; 124) which is movable relative to the gearing (30; 130) are provided here. At the latest upon reaching the stored longitudinal seat position, the gearing (30; 130) exerts a control torque on the actuating arm (24; 124), owing to which the actuating arm (24; 124) activates at least one locking element (14) which is guided in the first seat rail (2) and interacts with the second seat rail (4).