Seat Slide Structure Integrating Lock and Lead Screw Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat designs lack a structure that effectively links the lock mechanism and movement mechanism, leading to increased seat size and limited space for the lock and movement mechanisms, which complicates the sliding functionality.
Innovation Solution
A seat slide structure that integrates a lock mechanism with a lead screw movement mechanism, utilizing a gear system and shake absorbers to allow relative movement between the cushion frame and lead screw, while also incorporating a third slide rail with a winch and pulley system to manage wire tension and prevent sagging, thereby linking the lock bodies with the movement mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lead screw movement mechanism is used to slide the seat, then the sliding functionality is improved, but the space required for the lock and movement mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lock mechanism and movement mechanism into a shared space. The lock bodies are positioned to engage with the slide rail structure while the lead screw mechanism operates within the same spatial envelope, allowing both mechanisms to coexist in a reduced footprint area rather than requiring separate dedicated spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock bodies are nested within or adjacent to the lead screw mechanism structure. The unlocking link is integrated with the lead screw assembly, allowing the lock mechanism to occupy space that would otherwise be unused or minimally used by the movement mechanism, thereby reducing the overall space requirement.
2Device complexity
If the lock mechanism and movement mechanism are not linked, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the seat size increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism and movement mechanism are merged into a compact integrated assembly. The lead screw thread engages with the gear part that is also connected to the lock mechanism, creating a unified structure where both functions share common components and spatial envelope, thereby reducing overall seat size while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If a shake absorber is added to allow relative movement between cushion frame and lead screw, then the smooth operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shake absorber acts as an intermediary element between the cushion frame and the lead screw mechanism. This mediator component absorbs vibrations and allows controlled relative movement, smoothing out operational irregularities without requiring major structural changes or complex control systems.
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 integration enhances the sliding functionality by reducing seat size, ensuring smooth operation, and preventing wire sagging, while maintaining efficient locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw that is provided in parallel with the slide rail, and is supported by the upper rail; a gear part that transmits power from a power source to the lead screw to slide the lead screw and the upper rail along the lower rail
Implementation Method 2
a gear part that transmits power from a power source to the lead screw
Implementation Method 3
a shake absorber that allows the cushion frame and the lead screw to move relative to one another in a moving direction of the upper rail along the lower rail
Data Source
AI summary
A seat slide structure includes a cushion frame, a slide rail including lower and upper rails, a movement mechanism, and a lock mechanism. The movement mechanism slides the cushion frame along a length direction of the slide rail. The lock mechanism includes a lock body engaging with the slide rail, and places or lifts a restriction on movement of the slide rail. The movement mechanism includes a lead screw, a gear part, and a shake absorber. The lead screw is provided in parallel with the slide rail, and is supported by the upper rail. The gear part transmits power from a power source to the lead screw to slide the lead screw and the upper rail along the lower rail. The shake absorber allows the cushion frame and the lead screw to move relative to one another in a moving direction of the upper rail along the lower rail.