Vehicle Seat Slide Unlocking Member Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle seat slide device has a limited motion range for the loop handle, which restricts the operational feeling due to the vertical displacement of the lock lever, making it difficult to achieve a favorable operational experience.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle seat slide device incorporates an unlocking member positioned more internally than the lock spring in both the longitudinal and width directions of the upper rail, allowing for a wider motion range and improved operational feeling by straddling the lock spring vertically and being operable from the backward side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock lever is displaced in the vertical direction to engage/disengage the lock spring, then the locking function is achieved, but the motion range of the loop handle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking member is repositioned from the conventional vertical displacement approach to an internal positioning approach where it moves primarily in the longitudinal direction of the upper rail. By positioning the unlocking member more inside than the lock spring in both longitudinal and width directions, the loop handle gains additional motion range in the longitudinal dimension, resolving the contradiction between achieving locking function and providing sufficient motion range for favorable operational feeling.
2Ease of operation
If the unlocking member is positioned more inside than the lock spring in both longitudinal and width directions, then the motion range is widened and operational feeling is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking member is nested within the internal space of the lock spring assembly. By positioning the unlocking member more inside than the lock spring, it utilizes the existing internal space of the upper rail structure, effectively nesting the unlocking mechanism within the overall assembly. This approach widens the motion range and improves operational feeling while minimizing the increase in structural complexity by efficiently using existing spatial resources.
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 configuration enhances the operational feeling of the unlocking member by widening its motion range and enabling efficient operation from the backward side, effectively improving the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a lock spring that is attached to the upper rail, has a lock part engaging with the lower rail to restrict movement of the upper rail
Implementation Method 2
an unlocking member that is attached to the upper rail and displaces the lock spring to disengage the lock spring and the lower rail to clear the restriction on the movement of the upper rail
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat slide device is capable of improving an operational feeling of an unlocking member. The vehicle seat slide device includes: a lower rail; an upper rail that is movably attached to the lower rail and supports a seat; a lock spring that is attached to the upper rail, has a lock part engaging with the lower rail to restrict movement of the upper rail, and is formed in an annular shape; and an unlocking member that is attached to the upper rail and displaces the lock spring to disengage the lock spring and the lower rail to clear the restriction on the movement of the upper rail. The unlocking member is positioned more inside than the lock spring as seen in both a longitudinal direction and a width direction of the upper rail.