Vehicle Seat Slide Over-Center Locking With Low-Energy Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat adjustment systems lack efficient mechanisms for continuous adjustment and locking, particularly in providing secure locking and easy unlocking with minimal energy consumption, especially for slide systems connecting a squab to the vehicle floor.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an over-center locking mechanism with a rail and locking members, utilizing resilient means and an electric actuator with a transmission to switch between locked and unlocked positions, allowing continuous adjustment with low energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an over-center locking mechanism with resilient means is used, then locking reliability is improved, but the energy required for unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking members (first locking member and second locking member) that can be unlocked separately. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable locking in both sliding directions while requiring minimal energy for unlocking, as only one locking member needs to be actuated at a time depending on the desired sliding direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means are configured to automatically switch the locking members to their locked positions without requiring energy input. The system inverts the conventional approach by using spring forces to maintain the locked state passively, while unlocking is achieved by briefly overcoming these spring forces with minimal energy from the electric actuator.
2Reliability
If two locking members are used for bidirectional locking, then locking security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking member and second locking member are rigidly connected to each other, forming a combined locking assembly. This merging allows both locking members to be controlled by a single electric actuator through a control bar, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining bidirectional locking security. The control bar transmits the actuator's motion to both locking members simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric actuator serves multiple functions: it can unlock both locking members for sliding in either direction, and through the control bar mechanism, it coordinates the operation of two separate locking members as if they were a single unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of actuators needed while maintaining locking security.
3Reliability
If resilient means are used to provide over-center locking, then locking effectiveness is improved, but the force required for actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric actuator only needs to apply force partially to overcome the resilient means' spring forces temporarily for unlocking. Once the locking members pass the over-center position, the spring forces automatically switch to the locked state without requiring continuous high force from the actuator. This partial action significantly reduces the peak force requirements compared to maintaining constant force against the springs.
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
Enables secure continuous adjustment and locking of vehicle seat slides with minimal energy input, using an electric actuator that consumes less than 0.1 joule per slide, suitable for low-power motors, and maintains the locking mechanism's effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means generating return forces configured to provide: a switchover to locking of the first locking member so as to provide an over-center of the first locking member on the rail
Implementation Method 2
the first locking member comprising a first wall and a second wall, facing each other, configured to rub on the first friction surface and second friction surface of the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locking at least one continuous-adjustment slide for a vehicle seat, comprising; the at least one slide, an over-center locking system comprising: a rail, fixed relative to the first slide element, resilient means generating return forces configured to provide a switchover to locking of a first locking member so as to provide an over-center of the first locking member on the rail and a switchover to locking of a second locking member providing an over-center of the second locking member on the rail. According to the present disclosure, an unlocking mechanism comprises an electric actuator and a transmission configured to provide the switchover to unlocking of the first locking member and the switchover to unlocking of the second locking member, against the return forces of the resilient means.