Vehicle Seat Slide-Rod Mechanism for Single-Actuator Easy Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seats designed for easy entry positions are costly and complex, requiring multiple actuators and mechanisms to facilitate access to rear seats in vehicles with fewer door pairs.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat design that incorporates a single actuator to move and rotate the seat using a flexible swivel rod and sliding segments, allowing for easy entry position implementation at a reduced cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple actuators and mechanisms are used to achieve easy entry position, then the seat positioning function is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeasy entry position functionVSAvoidnumber of actuators and mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple actuators into a single actuator that simultaneously controls both the longitudinal movement of the seat and the pivoting of the seat back. The single actuator moves the movable element along the slide, which through the pivot rod mechanism, accomplishes both translation and rotation functions that previously required separate actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it既 moves the seat longitudinally along the slide轨道, 又 pivots the seat back to achieve the easy entry position. This multi-functional actuator replaces what would traditionally require separate actuators for each function, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple actuators are used to achieve easy entry position, then the seat positioning function is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeasy entry position functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the functions of multiple actuators into a single actuator system, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the easy entry position functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple actuators are used to achieve easy entry position, then the seat positioning function is improved, but the power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeasy entry position functionVSAvoidactuator power requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power requirements of multiple actuators into a single actuator system. By carefully designing the mechanical advantage through the pivot rod and ramp geometry, the single actuator can achieve both seat movement and pivoting with optimized power consumption, rather than requiring multiple high-power actuators to operate simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The design achieves efficient and cost-effective implementation of the easy entry position with a single actuator, reducing complexity and power requirements while enhancing access to rear seats.

Implementation Method 1

the pivoting rod being shaped to push against the ramp and cause the seat to rotate around the pivot axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the second end being able to slide against the ramp of the seat when the at least one mobile element is moved on the first slide segment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4282700B1Seat for vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 FAURECIA SIEGES D AUTOMOBILE SA
  • EP4282700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4282700B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4282700B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat comprising a ramp (28) and a stop (30), a slide (10,12) comprising a first slide segment and a second slide segment, a movable element (14, 16) adapted to be moved relative to the slide, the seat being mounted pivotally relative to the movable element around a pivot axis, a fixed articulation member relative to the slide, and a pivoting rod (38) having a first end articulated to the articulation member and a second end (41) adapted to slide against the ramp when the movable element moves on the first slide segment, the pivoting rod being shaped to push against the ramp and cause the seat to rotate when the movable element moves on the second slide segment, the second end (41) of the rod bearing against the stop.