Seat Sliding Device Rail Rigidity Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seat sliding devices face challenges in maintaining rigidity against external loads when the lengths or thicknesses of the fixed-side rail and movable-side rail are reduced, leading to potential deflection issues during collisions or external loads.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of second sliding bodies at the ends of the fixed-side rail and movable-side rail, in addition to first sliding bodies, to enhance rigidity, along with the use of covering members to inhibit limb contact and improve appearance, allows for effective holding of the rails under external loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the lengths of the fixed-side rail and movable-side rail are shortened, then layout space is improved and mountability is enhanced, but rigidity against external loads decreases leading to increased deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength of movable-side railVSAvoidrigidity against external loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding bodies are divided into first sliding bodies positioned at intermediate positions and second sliding bodies positioned at end positions. This segmentation allows the rails to be shorter while maintaining rigidity through distributed support points that prevent deflection under external loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If the fixed-side rail and movable-side rail are thinned, then weight is reduced, but rigidity against external loads decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of movable-side railVSAvoidrigidity against external loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the sliding bodies into first and second types positioned at different locations, the patent enables use of thinner rails that are sufficient for normal operation but provide adequate rigidity when supported at multiple points during collision or external load events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of moving object

If the slide distance of the movable-side rail is increased, then getting on and off performance is improved and luggage capacity is increased, but the ability of sliding bodies to hold the rails under external loads decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslide distance of movable-side railVSAvoidability to hold rails under external loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions first sliding bodies at intermediate positions and second sliding bodies at end positions along the extended slide distance. This segmentation ensures that even with increased slide distance, the rails maintain adequate support points to prevent excessive deflection under external loads during collision or emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10259346B2Seat sliding device

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 TOYOTA BOSHOKU KK

AI summary

Provided is a seat sliding device. The seat sliding device comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a plurality of first sliding bodies, and a plurality of second sliding bodies. The plurality of second sliding bodies are provided at least at an end on a first side of a sliding direction in at least one of the fixed-side rail and the movable-side rail, and are configured to be interposed between the fixed-side rail and the movable-side rail, so as to be able to make the movable-side rail slide in the sliding direction with respect to the fixed-side rail.