Seat Rail Wire Slider Layout to Avoid Drive Shaft Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat position adjusting devices have large and complicated rail structures due to the need for a power supply rail alongside the fixed rail, limiting design freedom, and heavy stoppers with flat flanges that increase weight.
Innovation Solution
The device includes a slider within the fixed rail that retains the electric wire and has an interference-avoiding portion, and a bearing member with arch-shaped or bent linking walls to support the threaded shaft without increasing weight or size, allowing compact arrangement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power supply rail is disposed alongside the fixed rail to supply power to electrical components, then power supply function is achieved, but the overall rail structure becomes large and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply rail is merged with the fixed rail by forming the power supply rail as an integral part of the fixed rail structure. The fixed rail includes a guide portion for guiding the slider and a power supply portion housing the power supply wire, eliminating the need for a separate power supply rail and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed rail is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical guidance for the slider through the guide portion and simultaneously supplies power through the power supply portion. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If a flat flange stopper is used to define the limit position of the movable rail, then positioning function is achieved, but the weight of the stopper increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed with an L-shaped configuration instead of a flat flange, creating a compact geometry that reduces material usage and weight while maintaining the positioning function. The L-shape allows the stopper to engage with the movable rail at multiple points, ensuring reliable limit position definition.
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
This configuration simplifies the rail structure, enhances design freedom, reduces weight, and minimizes interference between components, improving ride comfort and ease of mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a fixed threaded shaft supported on the seat support body and screwed into a nut rotating in operative connection with the motor
Data Source
AI summary
In an arrangement which includes: a seat support body slidably supported on a fixed rail fixed to a floor; a power supply device supplying power to an electrical component on a seat side; and a drive device driving the seat support body in a front-and-rear direction and having a motor and a transmission member disposed so as to pass longitudinally through an interior of the fixed rail, the power supply device includes: a housing an electric wire for power supply; and a slider linked to the seat support body and slidable within the fixed rail. The electric wire is drawn out from the housing, retained by the slider and slidable within the fixed rail. The slider has an interference-avoiding portion for avoiding interference with the transmission member disposed so as to pass longitudinally through the interior of the fixed rail. Accordingly, the transmission member of the drive device and the slider for retaining the electric wire, which slides within the fixed rail, can be arranged in proximity to each other within the fixed rail while avoiding interference therebetween, thus enabling simplification and a reduction in the size of a rail structure.