Seat Slider Device Roller Actuation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat slider devices have complex structures that increase costs, and there is a need for a simpler mechanism to move a seat using an actuator.

Innovation Solution

A seat slider device with a lower rail attached to a vehicle body, an upper rail attachable to a seat, and at least one roller pressed against the lower rail or vehicle body, driven by an actuator, which can rotate the roller to move the upper rail, utilizing a resin cover with high friction or tapered rollers for increased frictional engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional seat slider device with lead screw and screw nut is used, then the seat can be moved, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat movement reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex lead screw and screw nut mechanism from the seat slider device. Instead, it uses a simple roller that rotates on the rail surface, reducing the mechanism to its essential function of converting rotational motion to linear motion without unnecessary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a screw thread mechanism where the nut rotates along the screw, the patent inverts the approach by having a roller rotate on the rail surface. The friction between the roller and rail surface provides the driving force, eliminating the need for threaded engagement and complex gear mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ball bearings are rotated in two orthogonal directions to enable free two-dimensional movement, then the seat can move freely, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetwo-dimensional movement capabilityVSAvoidactuator and bearing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the movement control into two independent rollers, each responsible for one degree of freedom. By placing rollers at different positions and orientations on the upper rail, the system achieves two-dimensional movement capability through simple, independent rotational actuators rather than a complex multi-directional bearing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the rail surface as an intermediary friction interface between the rollers and the lower rail. This friction-mediated interaction allows simple rotational actuators to control complex two-dimensional movement without requiring sophisticated mechanical linkages or multi-directional bearings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a resin cover with high friction coefficient is used, then the roller slips less, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller anti-slip performanceVSAvoidcover manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the friction parameter of the rail surface by covering it with resin material having a high friction coefficient. This material parameter change ensures that the roller maintains adequate grip on the rail surface during operation, preventing slippage without requiring mechanical friction enhancement features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure where a resin cover is applied over the metal rail. This composite material approach combines the structural integrity of metal with the high friction surface properties of resin, achieving both durability and anti-slip performance in a manufacturable form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a cost-effective and simple structure for moving a seat using an actuator, maintaining the same size as conventional devices while minimizing slippage through enhanced frictional contact, thus enabling efficient and reliable seat movement.

Implementation Method 1

at least one roller provided in the upper rail and pressed against the lower rail or the body of a vehicle... an actuator configured to rotate the at least one roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The cover may be constituted of metal or preferably resin. Since a resin cover has a high friction coefficient, the at least one roller, which is driven by the actuator, is less likely to slip by being pressed against an upper surface of the resin cover having the high friction coefficient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction coefficient: Friction Coefficient

Data Source

PatentUS11577630B2Seat slider device

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 TOYOTA BOSHOKU SEIKO CORP

AI summary

A seat slider device may include: a lower rail attachable to a body of a vehicle; an upper rail attachable to a seat and slidably engaging with the lower rail; at least one roller provided in the upper rail and pressed against the lower rail or the body of the vehicle; and an actuator configured to rotate the at least one roller.