Adjustable Seat Support With Integrated Spring Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable seat mounts for bus seats require complex adjustment mechanisms and lack precise and secure mounting with minimal construction effort.

Innovation Solution

The adjustable seat mount employs a dual-function locking bolt that engages in the floor rail's locking openings and axially braces guide bolts, ensuring play-free mounting by pulling guide bolts upwards and utilizing the base plate as a spring to maintain tension, with optional features like a lower pin and upper ring collar for enhanced support and adjustability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate compression spring and complex adjustment mechanism are used to actuate the locking bolt, then the locking function is reliable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the compression spring and locking bolt into a single integrated component. The spring is formed as one piece with the locking bolt, eliminating the need for separate spring assemblies and complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining the reliable locking function through the spring's continuous biasing force on the locking bolt

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bolt serves multiple functions: it engages with locking openings to secure the seat mount, acts as a lever for adjustment, and works with the integrated spring to provide automatic resetting. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If guide bolts are used for positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but play or looseness occurs in the mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmounting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The guide bolts are pre-loaded with tension through the spring mechanism before the seat is installed. This preliminary tensioning action ensures that the guide bolts maintain constant contact with the floor rail grooves, preventing any play or looseness while preserving positioning precision throughout the seat's operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the guide bolts from a loose fit to a tensioned state through the spring-loaded locking mechanism. By adjusting the tension parameter of the guide bolts, the system achieves both precise positioning and elimination of play in the mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution simplifies the adjustment process while ensuring precise and secure seating without play, reducing construction complexity and maintaining tension through the base plate's spring-like action.

Implementation Method 1

The base plate acts as a spring and ensures that the guide bolts are kept under tension.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1790521B1Adjustable seat support for a passenger seat
Publication Date: 2009.08.05 HERMANN SCHNIERLE
  • EP1790521B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1790521B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1790521B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The support has a base plate (1), where a number of guide pins (2) projects downwards, for engagement into guide grooves (3) of a base rail (4) and axially adjustable locking pins (17) for engagement into locking openings of the base rail and for axial restraining of the guide pins within the guide grooves are arranged in the base plate. The locking pins have a lower pivot for engagement into the locking openings and an upper ring flange for supporting at the top side of the base rail. The locking pins are axially adjusted by a lever arrangement.