Vehicle Seat Track Assembly Cam Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat track assemblies in vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for selective movement and secure attachment of seats in multiple directions, and for easy disassembly, which complicates longitudinal, transverse, and vertical adjustments and removals.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly with a support system that includes a lock plate, anchor, and cam mechanism, allowing for selective engagement and disengagement to limit movement in various directions, enabling easy adjustment and removal of seats by rotating the cam to disengage the lock plate and anchor from the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional seat track assembly uses multiple separate locking mechanisms for longitudinal, transverse, and vertical positions, then the seat can be secured at various positions, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions (longitudinal, transverse, and vertical positioning) into a single integrated track assembly with a unified cam mechanism. The support element engages with the track at multiple points simultaneously, allowing one cam rotation to control all positioning directions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly is designed as a multi-functional system where a single track structure performs multiple functions: longitudinal positioning, transverse positioning, and vertical positioning. The support element with its engagement points and the cam mechanism work together to provide all these functions through one integrated system rather than separate mechanisms
2Reliability
If a seat track assembly uses complex multiple-direction locking mechanisms, then the seat can be securely attached in various directions, but the ease of disassembly and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to be actuated by a single rotational motion that simultaneously releases all locking points. When the cam is rotated to the release position, the support element automatically disengages from the track at all engagement points, allowing easy one-handed operation for both secure attachment and quick release without requiring complex sequential operations
3Ease of operation
If the track assembly uses a simple single-point engagement mechanism, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of multi-directional movement control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed with multiple engagement points that simultaneously interact with the track at different locations. This merging of multiple engagement points into a single support element allows simple cam operation while maintaining reliable control over longitudinal, transverse, and vertical movements through the coordinated action of all engagement points
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 allows for flexible seat positioning and easy removal by enabling controlled movement and secure attachment in multiple directions, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The support may include a cam that may be configured to selectively engage and disengage at least one of the lock plate and the anchor from the track
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly including a track and a support. The support may be configured for selective connection with the track. The support may include a lock plate that may be configured to selectively limit movement of the support relative to the track in at least one of a first direction and a second direction. The support may include an anchor that may be configured to selectively limit movement of the support relative to the track in at least one of the second direction and a third direction. The support may include a cam that may be configured to selectively engage and disengage at least one of the lock plate and the anchor from the track.