Vehicle Seat Shell Layout for Motorized Depth Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seats with manual depth adjustment lack the convenience and comfort of motorized adjustment, requiring additional structural space and compromising the thickness of the seat cushion.

Innovation Solution

A motorized seat depth adjustment system where a motor is mounted on the seat shell, using a pinion and toothed rod mechanism to displace the seat shell, with protective covers to maintain seating comfort and prevent submarining, allowing for interchangeable manual or electrical adjustment without altering the seat frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual seat depth adjustment is used, then the structure is simple and requires no additional power, but the comfort and convenience for the occupant is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat depth adjustment convenienceVSAvoidadjustment system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system (locking bar and pin) with an electric motor-driven system. The motor (25) is mounted on the seat shell (22) and converts rotational movement into linear displacement of the seat cushion (20) through a pinion (27) and toothed rod (28), eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining structural integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If the motor is mounted on the seat frame, then the adjustment mechanism is stable, but additional constructional space is required and the seat cushion thickness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidseat cushion thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the motor on the stationary seat frame, the patent inverts the mounting approach by attaching the motor (25) to the movable seat shell (22). This allows the motor to be integrated within the existing seat cushion assembly space, eliminating the need for additional constructional space in the seat frame region and maintaining the original seat cushion thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the motor (25) in the front region of the seat shell (22), utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the seat rather than requiring additional lateral or vertical space. This dimensional arrangement allows the motor to be accommodated within the existing seat structure without compromising the thickness of the padded portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the motor is placed in the rear region of the seat shell, then the structure is simplified, but the seating comfort is reduced and the padded portion cannot be increased in thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor arrangement structureVSAvoidseating comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by specifically positioning the motor (25) in the front region of the seat shell (22), rather than using a generic rear placement. This localized positioning in the front region allows the padded portion to be increased in thickness in the rear area, thereby maintaining and enhancing seating comfort while still providing effective seat depth adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If the guides between seat shell and seat frame are relied upon for accuracy, then the system is simple, but the adjustment precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguide systemVSAvoidseat depth adjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pinion (27) and toothed rod (28) mechanism as an intermediary between the motor (25) and the seat shell (22). This intermediary conversion mechanism transforms the motor's rotational movement into precise linear displacement, ensuring accurate seat depth adjustment without relying solely on the accuracy of the guides between the seat shell and seat frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances occupant comfort by maintaining seat cushion thickness and allowing for increased padding, while utilizing existing space and preventing jamming of guides, enabling modular integration with either adjustment type.

Implementation Method 1

The conversion of the rotational movement of the motor into a defined displacement of the seat cushion preferably takes place by means of a pinion and a toothed rod meshing therewith

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and pinion mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentUS8684459B2Vehicle seat, especially utility vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 ADIENT US LLC

AI summary

A vehicle seat, especially a utility vehicle seat, includes a seat frame (16) and a seat shell (22) which is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the seat frame (16) in the longitudinal direction of the seat (x) to adjust the seat depth. The seat depth can be adjusted by means of a motor (25) which is mounted on the seat shell (22).