Vehicle Seat Swivel Fittings for Asymmetric Load Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle seat backrests with identical swivel fittings are inefficient in distributing loads asymmetrically, leading to increased weight and material costs, and often result in unstable synchronization during movement.

Innovation Solution

Implementing swivel fittings of different sizes, where one is larger on the side with the belt exit point to handle stronger loads, and both have scaled components with the same gear ratio for synchronized movement without additional bracing, allowing for reduced weight and material costs while maintaining stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If identical swivel fittings are used on both sides of the backrest, then the structure is simple and symmetric, but the weight increases and material costs rise without optimizing load distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of vehicle seatVSAvoidcomplexity of swivel fitting configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by using swivel fittings of different sizes on opposite sides of the backrest. The first swivel fitting has a first size and the second swivel fitting has a second size that is different from the first size. This asymmetric configuration optimizes load distribution according to the actual asymmetric load patterns experienced during vehicle operation, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity and synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by tailoring the size of each swivel fitting to the specific load requirements of its location. The first swivel fitting is sized appropriately for the loads it experiences, and the second swivel fitting is sized differently to match its load conditions. This localized optimization allows weight reduction in less heavily loaded areas while maintaining adequate strength where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If smaller swivel fittings are used to reduce weight, then material costs decrease, but synchronization stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization stability of swivel fittingsVSAvoidweight of backrest
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through asymmetric sizing where each swivel fitting's size is optimized for its specific load conditions. The different sizes are carefully selected to maintain proper synchronization stability while avoiding excessive weight. The asymmetric design ensures that each fitting provides adequate support for its location without over-engineering, achieving reliable synchronization with minimized weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the size parameters of the swivel fittings based on load requirements. By adjusting the dimensional parameters of each fitting independently, the design achieves optimal balance between weight reduction and synchronization stability, with each fitting sized to provide appropriate support without unnecessary mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If asymmetric load distribution is accommodated with identical fittings, then manufacturing is simplified, but load optimization is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufacturing swivel fittingsVSAvoidload distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embraces asymmetry in the swivel fitting sizes to match the asymmetric load distribution. The first swivel fitting and second swivel fitting have different sizes that correspond to their respective load conditions. This approach optimizes load distribution efficiency while the manufacturing process remains practical, as each fitting type can be produced in standard quantities for its specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing different sizes of swivel fittings at different locations to match the local load requirements. This localized optimization improves load distribution efficiency without significantly complicating manufacturing, as each fitting size can be produced using standard manufacturing processes tailored to its specific dimensional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces the overall weight of the vehicle seat, saves material costs, and ensures stable synchronization of the swivel fittings during movement, enhancing the vehicle's load distribution and adjustment efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

swivel fittings each have toothing rolling off and on to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling:

Implementation Method 2

in swivel fittings, toothing meshing with each other roll off on each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMeshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11858383B2Vehicle seat with differently sized swivel fittings
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG
  • US11858383B2 patent drawing
  • US11858383B2 patent drawing
  • US11858383B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle seat comprises a seat part and a backrest, which are pivotally connected to each other via at least two swivel fittings, and the swivel fittings each have toothing rolling off on each other and are different in size.