Longitudinal Seat Rail With Single-Conductor Power and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional longitudinal seat adjustment devices in motor vehicles face challenges with limited travel distances and protruding components that pose risks, hindering the implementation of novel interior concepts and contributing to weight and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal seat adjustment device featuring a rail with an embedded propulsion mechanism and an electric drive system, utilizing a single conductor for both voltage supply and communication, eliminating the need for trailing cables and allowing for long travel paths and high speeds without protruding components, and incorporating a toothed rack mechanism for efficient propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional longitudinal seat adjustment devices use trailing cables for power supply and control, then electrical connection is maintained, but weight increases and safety risks arise from protruding components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the trailing cable from the seat adjustment system. Instead of using a trailing cable to supply power and control signals, the invention uses a contactless electrical connection system where power and signals are transmitted through the rail structure itself, removing the hazardous and heavy trailing cable component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trailing cable system with an electromagnetic field-based contactless power and signal transmission system. The rail acts as an antenna or conductor for wireless energy and data transfer to the moving slide, eliminating the need for physical cable connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustment devices use multiple conductors for power and communication, then functional requirements are met, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply and communication functions into a single integrated system. The same electrical connection that provides power to the slide also serves as the communication channel for control signals and position feedback, eliminating the need for separate multiple conductors
Solution Approach 2:
The rail structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance for the slide, structural support, and an electrical transmission medium for both power and communication signals. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and weight
3Ease of operation
If conventional devices use protruding components for adjustment mechanism, then mechanical function is achieved, but safety risks increase due to components protruding into the room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the adjustment mechanism within the rail structure itself. The propulsion means and electrical connection are integrated into the rail, allowing the mechanism to function without protruding components extending into the passenger space
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a lateral protruding adjustment mechanism to a longitudinal integrated system where all components are contained within the rail's length. The adjustment action occurs along the rail's axis rather than requiring side-protruding elements
4Length of moving object
If conventional adjustment devices are designed for limited travel distances, then component size is reduced, but novel interior concepts cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic electrical connection system that can accommodate varying travel distances without requiring different hardware configurations. The contactless power and communication system through the rail can dynamically adjust to any travel distance within the rail's length, enabling both short and long travel paths with the same system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a longitudinal seat adjustment device (1), comprising a rail (10) running along a longitudinal axis (X), a slide (20) with an electric drive device (40), by means of which the slide can be moved along the longitudinal axis (X) of the rail (10), and a first control unit (15) and a second control unit (25), wherein the first control unit (15) is fixedly connected to the rail (10) and the second control unit (25) is arranged on the slide (20), wherein the first control unit (15) and the second control unit (25) are connected via an electrical conductor (50) which can be energized by a voltage source (4) with a supply voltage (S1), wherein the second control unit (25) can control the drive device (40), and wherein the first control unit (15) and the second control unit (25) communicate via a communication signal (S2) that can be modulated to the supply voltage.