Seat Slide Unlocking Lever Support Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional U-shaped unlocking levers for seat slide devices require high precision and expertise in assembly due to potential misalignment of support shafts and inconsistent formation of lateral portions, leading to non-smooth movement and unsynchronized operation of lock mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A structure featuring support brackets with channel cross-section main support portions, downwardly and upwardly curved protruding portions, and a dent mechanism to securely hold and rotate the lateral portions of the unlocking lever, allowing vertical movement and actuation of the lock mechanisms without the need for precise coaxial alignment or correct formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial alignment between support shafts is required for smooth movement of unlocking lever, then synchronized operation of lock mechanisms is achieved, but assembly complexity and time increase due to high precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket changes the support method from fixed coaxial shafts to adjustable support points within a channel cross-section. The lateral portions can be positioned at different vertical heights, allowing the system to accommodate dimensional variations while maintaining synchronized operation. This parameter adjustment eliminates the need for precise coaxial alignment during assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision formation of unlocking lever lateral portions is required, then correct angle and length are achieved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket's channel cross-section allows the lateral portions to be positioned at different vertical heights, transforming the system from requiring precise dimensional control to accepting a range of positions. This parameter flexibility enables mass production without strict tolerances while maintaining proper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket structure replaces the need for precision-machined lateral portions with a more tolerant design. Instead of investing in high-precision manufacturing, the system uses a simpler, more forgiving support mechanism that accommodates standard manufacturing variations.
3Ease of operation
If rotating holder brackets are used to connect lateral portions with lock mechanisms, then vertical movement is enabled, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket merges the support function and the rotation function into a single integrated structure. The channel cross-section provides both the support surface and the rotational capability, eliminating the need for separate rotating holder brackets and reducing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for supporting a generally U-shaped unlocking lever in seat slide device, wherein a main support portion of a generally channel cross-section is provided at each of a pair of the seat slide devices so as to support each of the two lateral portions of the unlocking lever. Formed respectively in the upper and lower walls of that main support portion are downwardly and upwardly curved protrudent portions, so that the two lateral portions of the unlocking lever each extends between those downwardly and upwardly curved protrudent portions. This arrangement gives a play to the two lateral portions of unlocking lever. Namely, both two free end portions respective of such two lateral portions are inclinable vertically relative to a support point between the afore-said two curved protrudent portions, while the two lateral portions themselves are also slidable therebetween in transverse direction of the seat slide device, thereby absorbing differences in size and shape which may occur in each of unlocking levers to be used.