Vehicle Seat Recliner Encapsulating Ring for Precise Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recliner mechanisms for vehicle seats face challenges in achieving precise clearance between components, making it difficult to position them accurately.
Innovation Solution
The recliner mechanism incorporates an encapsulating ring in a slip fit arrangement, allowing for easy adjustment to achieve precise clearance between components, thereby facilitating accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the encapsulating ring is pressed into the first locking plate to achieve secure positioning, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of adjustment for precise clearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulating ring transitions from a static press-fit state to a dynamic adjustable state. The ring can be expanded radially outward to disengage from the first locking plate, allowing positioning adjustments, then collapsed radially inward to re-engage and lock into place. This dynamic transformation enables both easy adjustment and secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulating ring changes its radial dimension parameter. By expanding radially outward, the ring increases its inner diameter to allow movement relative to the locking plates. By collapsing radially inward, the ring decreases its inner diameter to achieve precise clearance and secure engagement. This parameter change enables the contradiction resolution.
2Ease of operation
If the encapsulating ring is made adjustable for precise clearance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the encapsulating ring itself. The radially expandable and collapsible features are integrated directly into the ring structure, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices, tools, or mechanisms. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulating ring is self-adjusting through its radially expandable and collapsible properties. The ring can be manually manipulated to expand for adjustment and collapse for locking without requiring external tools, mechanisms, or additional components. This self-service capability simplifies the device while enabling precise positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If the encapsulating ring is positioned to achieve precise clearance, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to difficult component movement
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulating ring's dynamic expandable and collapsible nature enables easy repositioning during assembly. The ring can be expanded to disengage from locking plates for movement, then collapsed to lock into precise positions. This dynamic behavior achieves manufacturing precision without sacrificing assembly productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the radial parameter of the encapsulating ring, the component can be easily moved to achieve precise clearance. The ring expands radially outward for movement and collapses radially inward for precise positioning and locking. This parameter change enables both precision and productivity.
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 solution enables efficient achievement of the required torsional friction, allowing for smooth oscillating movement of the recliner mechanism, while preventing debris and fluid ingress.
Implementation Method 1
The encapsulating ring is not pressed into the first locking plate, allowing the encapsulating ring to be easily moved to achieve the precise clearance to surrounding components
Implementation Method 2
The second locking plate is rotatable relative to the first locking plate and includes an inner diametrical surface having second teeth formed thereon. Some of the second teeth are meshingly engaged with some of the first teeth.
Data Source
AI summary
A recliner heart may include a first locking plate, a second locking plate, a hub, an encapsulating plate, and a spacer ring. The first locking plate includes an outer diametrical surface having first teeth formed thereon. The second locking plate is rotatable relative to the first locking plate and includes an inner diametrical surface having second teeth formed thereon. Some of the second teeth are meshingly engaged with some of the first teeth. The hub extends through the first and second locking plates. The encapsulating ring extends annularly about the first and second locking plates and is not pressed into the first locking plate. The spacer ring is disposed axially between the second locking plate and the encapsulating ring and radially between the hub and the encapsulating ring.