Vehicle Seat Rail Separation Mechanism Using Integrated Locking Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional longitudinal adjusting devices for vehicle seats with separable rails are complex, expensive, and require additional space due to a separate separating device, limiting their flexibility and simplicity.

Innovation Solution

A longitudinal adjusting device with an upper rail that engages with a lower rail, featuring a retaining and guiding element on the upper edge of the lower rail and integrated locking elements, allowing the upper rail and vehicle seat to be separated from the lower rail, eliminating the need for a separate separating device, and enabling a larger adjustment path within the vehicle body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate separating device is used between the rail unit and the vehicle seat, then the vehicle seat can be removed, but the device becomes more complex, expensive, and requires more constructional space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparability of vehicle seatVSAvoidcomplexity of separating device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the separating device functionality directly into the upper rail by integrating locking elements and release mechanisms into the rail structure itself. The upper rail incorporates locking elements that engage with the lower rail, and the release mechanism is built into the upper rail, eliminating the need for a separate, independent separating device between the rail unit and vehicle seat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper rail serves multiple functions: it provides longitudinal adjustment through displacement along the lower rail, maintains structural support for the vehicle seat, and incorporates the separating mechanism directly within its structure. The locking elements and release mechanisms are integrated into the upper rail, making it a multi-functional component that combines adjustment, support, and separation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate separating device is used, then the vehicle seat can be removed, but the cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparability of vehicle seatVSAvoidweight of separating device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device functionality is merged into the upper rail structure, eliminating the need for additional separate components. The locking elements, release mechanisms, and separating functionality are all integrated into the upper rail, reducing the total weight by removing redundant separate separating device components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate separating device is used, then the vehicle seat can be removed, but more constructional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparability of vehicle seatVSAvoidconstructional space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The separating device functionality is merged into the upper rail structure, eliminating the need for additional separate components that would occupy extra constructional space. The locking elements, release mechanisms, and separating functionality are all integrated into the upper rail, reducing the total space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Length of moving object

If the upper rail is longitudinally displaceable in the lower rail, then adjustment path is increased, but retaining forces must be transmitted effectively in both horizontal and vertical directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment pathVSAvoidretaining forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces roller elements as intermediary components between the upper rail and lower rail. These rollers facilitate smooth longitudinal displacement of the upper rail along the lower rail while the locking elements provide positive engagement to transmit retaining forces effectively in both horizontal and vertical directions, enabling both large adjustment path and force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9701217B2Longitudinal adjusting device for a vehicle seat, comprising a separable upper and lower rail

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 KEIPER SEATING MECHANISMS CO LTD

AI summary

A longitudinal adjusting device for a vehicle seat, includes a lower rail and an upper rail, wherein the upper rail is arranged longitudinally displaceably in the lower rail. The upper rail is engaged with the lower rail. A retaining and guiding element is designed, integrally formed or arranged on an upper edge of the lower rail. The element holds the upper rail on the lower rail in the operating position. At least two locking elements are arranged on and/or integrated in the upper rail and after same are unlocked. The upper rail and a vehicle seat attached thereto in a predefined position can be separated from the lower rail.