Seat Track Assembly with Modular Locking Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seat assembly systems in passenger vehicles are limited in their ability to adjust the space between seat rows due to a predefined travel distance along the lower track, restricting flexibility in seating configuration and assembly/disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A seat track assembly system comprising an upper and lower track with wheel assemblies, anchors, and locking blocks that allow for sliding movement and selective locking of the upper track along the lower track, enabling adjustable seating positions and flexible assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat assembly is configured to travel within a predefined distance along the lower track, then the seat assembly has a stable and reliable travel range, but the amount of space between various seat rows is limited and flexibility in seating configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is divided into a modular system with an upper track and a lower track that can be independently positioned and connected. The lower track can be disassembled and repositioned along the seat assembly, allowing the upper track to achieve a greater effective travel distance than a single fixed lower track would permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed lower track to a dynamic, adjustable lower track that can be moved to different positions. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the seat assembly to effectively travel beyond the original predefined distance while maintaining stable connection through the locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the seat assembly is fixed to a single lower track position, then the assembly structure is simple and reliable, but the ease of assembly and disassembly of seat rows is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is segmented into separable upper and lower track components with standardized interfaces. The locking mechanism is divided into discrete locking blocks and corresponding gaps, allowing for simple attachment and detachment operations without requiring complex fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The locking blocks automatically engage with the gaps when the tracks are brought together, and the spring mechanism provides automatic engagement force, reducing the need for manual alignment or complex assembly procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locking mechanisms are added to allow positioning at various points along the track, then the flexibility in positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking block and gap mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides positioning at various locations along the track, secures the connection between upper and lower tracks, and enables quick release for disassembly. This multi-functional design achieves positioning flexibility without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, modular component (locking block) that can independently engage with the track structure. This extraction allows the locking mechanism to be simplified and standardized, reducing overall complexity while maintaining multiple positioning capabilities through the array of gaps along the track.
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
Enables the seat assembly to be positioned at various points along the lower track, increasing flexibility in seating arrangements and allowing for easier assembly and disassembly, thereby overcoming the limitations of predefined travel distances.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be connected to the anchor and may be configured to bias the anchor into engagement with the first track
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of wheels may include four wheels configured to roll in a longitudinal direction on a rolling surface of the first track
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly includes an upper track that includes an interface member having a first end and a second end, a plurality of wheel assemblies, an anchor, and one or more locking blocks disposed on a side of the interface member. Embodiments of the system include a lower track with a first side and a second side, wherein a flat portion is disposed near a top of each of the first side and the second side. In embodiments, flat portions may extend along a longitudinal axis associated with the lower track. A plurality of gaps may be disposed on the flat portions, and the gaps may be configured to receive a locking block and an anchor. The anchor may be configured to guide the upper track as the upper track travels along the longitudinal axis associated with the lower track.