Vehicle Seat Sliding Device Linear Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding device locking arrangements for vehicle seats are prone to jamming and have limited stroke length, leading to incorrect disengagement of locking pins from apertures, and require significant design space for rotational movements, limiting flexibility in design.
Innovation Solution
The sliding device features a locking arrangement with connecting members that move along a linear path to drive locking pins, reducing the risk of jamming and allowing for increased stroke length, while simplifying kinematic connections and allowing the releasing member to be positioned remotely, thus enhancing design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connecting members rotate to drive locking pins from locking to unlocking configuration, then the locking pins can be disengaged from apertures, but the rotational movement requires significant design space and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the connecting members to disengage locking pins, the invention inverts the approach by having connecting members slide linearly to achieve the same disengagement effect. The locking pins are pushed laterally out of the apertures through linear translation rather than rotational movement, simplifying the kinematic connections while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the arc-shaped rotational path with a linear path for the connecting members. By eliminating the curved motion trajectory, the design reduces the space required for movement and simplifies the mechanical connections between components, while still achieving complete disengagement of the locking pins from the apertures.
2Ease of operation
If locking pins move along an arc-shaped path during rotation, then they can be lifted from apertures, but the stroke length is limited and may result in incorrect disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the disengagement mechanism by using lateral pushing motion instead of lifting motion. Rather than moving the locking pins along an arc-shaped upward path, the connecting members slide linearly to push the pins laterally out of the apertures, ensuring complete and accurate disengagement without stroke length limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the disengagement function into distinct linear sliding movements of multiple connecting members, each responsible for specific locking pins. This segmentation allows for precise control of each pin's disengagement position and ensures that all pins are correctly extracted from their respective apertures without relying on a single rotational motion with limited stroke.
3Ease of operation
If fork-shaped elements engage locking pin heads for extraction, then the locking pins can be moved to unlocking configuration, but the movement along arc-shaped path causes jamming against aperture edges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the engagement approach by having the connecting members engage the locking pins at their base rather than at their heads. The connecting members slide linearly to push the pins laterally outward, avoiding the arc-shaped path that causes the pin heads to strike against aperture edges and jam the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the curved arc-shaped movement path with a straight linear path for the connecting members. This linear motion eliminates the geometric constraint that causes locking pin heads to collide with aperture edges during rotational movement, thereby preventing jamming and improving reliability of the extraction operation.
4Volume of moving object
If releasing member is positioned close to locking assemblies for direct actuation, then the mechanism is compact, but the design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces Bowden cables as intermediary elements between the releasing member and the locking assemblies. This allows the releasing member to be positioned remotely from the locking pins while still effectively actuating them through the cable transmission mechanism, providing both space efficiency and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the actuation system into separate components: the releasing member, the Bowden cables for force transmission, and the locking assemblies. This segmentation allows independent positioning and optimization of each component, enabling the releasing member to be located at the most convenient position for the user while the locking mechanisms remain integrated with the seat structure.
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 prevents jamming, ensures correct disengagement of locking pins, reduces design complexity, and allows for increased flexibility in arranging the locking mechanism, improving the reliability and usability of the sliding device.
Implementation Method 1
said locking pins being biased to a locking configuration, in which at least some of them engage respective apertures of the lower rails
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sliding device for a vehicle seat provided with an improved locking arrangement. Said locking arrangement comprises a pair of locking assemblies (1a, 1b), one for each track of the sliding device, each including a plurality of locking pins (3a, 3b) suitable for locking the upper rails of the tracks to the respective lower rails. Said locking arrangement further includes a releasing assembly for driving said locking pins to an unlocking configuration for adjusting the position of the vehicle seat. Said releasing assembly comprises a releasing member and a pair of connecting members (7a, 7b), which are in a force transmission connection with the releasing member, on one hand, and with the locking pins (3a, 3b) of a respective locking assembly, on the other hand. According to the invention, such connecting members (7a, 7b) are configured to slide along a substantially linear path and to consequently drive the locking pins along a substantially linear path. Such construction enhances the reliability of the locking arrangement and provides for a greater flexibility in designing the locking arrangement itself.