Vehicle Seat Structure With One-Side Drive and Dual Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle seat adjustment systems require simultaneous adjustment on both sides, leading to increased production and installation complexity, weight, and safety concerns due to lack of dual locking units during crashes.
Innovation Solution
A rigid light metal cast seat structure, such as magnesium, allows adjustment forces to be transmitted from one side to the other using an electric drive unit on one side, with locking units on both sides for crash absorption, utilizing self-locking or frictional connections for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking units are installed on both sides of the seat for crash safety, then safety is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment function and locking function into a single integrated electric drive unit located on one side of the seat. The drive unit includes a motor, transmission, and locking unit that work together to provide both adjustment and crash protection functions, eliminating the need for separate locking units on both sides of the seat
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid seat structure serves as an intermediary element that transmits adjustment forces from the drive unit on one side to the other side of the seat. The rigid structure ensures force transmission while the locking unit on the drive side provides crash protection without requiring symmetric locking mechanisms on both sides
2Ease of operation
If adjustment forces are transmitted through tubes and mounting structures on both sides, then adjustment is achieved, but production complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment and locking functions from a symmetric dual-side configuration and concentrates them in a single electric drive unit on one side of the seat. This eliminates the need for complex tube structures and mounting arrangements on both sides, simplifying production while maintaining adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The seat structure is segmented into a rigid seat structure that provides force transmission and an integrated drive unit that provides adjustment and locking functions. This segmentation allows the use of a single drive unit to control the entire seat structure, reducing production complexity
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 design simplifies production and installation while ensuring efficient seat adjustment and enhanced safety by distributing forces effectively during crashes without the need for separate locking units on both sides.
Implementation Method 1
The seat structure is distinguished by a high degree of rigidity. Thus, an adjustment movement introduced at one side of the seat can be transmitted to the other side of the seat due to the rigidity of the seat structure.
Implementation Method 2
The means for fixing the seat structure on both sides of the seat may be effective in different ways, but preferably act by locking or a frictional force connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable seat structure (1) extends over substantially the width of the seat. An electric drive unit (12) is on one side (4) of the seat but adjusts the seat structure (1) on both sides of the seat. Locks (17) for fixing the seat structure (1) are provided on both sides. The seat ensures a structurally simple adjustment and fixing of the seat on both sides. The adjustment forces are transmitted by the seat structure from the drive unit located on one side of the seat to the other side of the seat.