Vehicle Seat Track Connector Assembly for Reliable Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle seats require adjustable and removable configurations that accommodate electrical connections between the seat and the vehicle, but existing solutions lack efficient mechanisms for secure and reliable power/data transfer during movement and interchange.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly with a rail cartridge and connection cartridge system, featuring a first electrical connector within the rail cartridge and a second connector within a channel of the connection cartridge, an actuation member biased to a first position, and an actuator to move the member to a second position for engagement, along with a latch for secure coupling, enabling electrical engagement and data/power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rail-mounted component is made adjustable and removable to accommodate different configurations, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of electrical connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection cartridge is nested within the rail cartridge, with the electrical connector housed inside the connection cartridge. This nested structure allows the electrical connection components to be protected and securely contained while enabling easy insertion and removal of the entire assembly, thus maintaining both adaptability and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors are pre-positioned and pre-aligned within the rail cartridge and connection cartridge respectively. The biasing member pre-loads the actuation member to ensure immediate engagement. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the connection cartridge is inserted, electrical contact is established reliably without requiring additional adjustment or alignment steps
2Reliability
If a mechanism is added to ensure secure electrical engagement during movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated into the rail cartridge as a unified component rather than a separate assembly. The latch, striker, and biasing member work together as a combined system that automatically engages and secures the connection cartridge to the rail cartridge, providing reliable electrical engagement without requiring multiple separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically applies force to the actuation member, which in turn automatically actuates the latch to engage with the striker. This self-actuating mechanism ensures secure electrical engagement through the inherent mechanical bias without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control systems
3Ease of operation
If electrical connectors are exposed to enable easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from debris and liquids deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is nested within the connection cartridge, which itself is inserted into the rail cartridge. This nested arrangement allows the electrical connector to remain protected within the enclosed space of the connection cartridge while still enabling electrical contact through the aligned slot, thus protecting against debris and liquids without compromising ease of connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connection cartridge acts as a protective shell or enclosure for the electrical connector. This shell structure provides physical protection from environmental contaminants while maintaining the necessary electrical contact interface through the slot alignment mechanism, balancing protection with operational ease
4Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the connection cartridge, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member provides continuous force to the actuation member, which automatically actuates the latch to engage with the striker when the connection cartridge is inserted. The latch mechanism is self-actuating through this pre-loaded bias, eliminating the need for manual operation or additional controls, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring secure coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical biasing system replaces the need for manual latch operation or electronic actuators. The spring-loaded actuation member translates the simple insertion motion directly into latch engagement through mechanical advantage, providing reliable securing with minimal user effort and no complex control systems
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
Facilitates easy interchange and movement of seating assemblies while ensuring continuous power/data transfer and protection of electrical components from debris and liquids, allowing for flexible interior configurations and interchangeability of seating assemblies without adjusting vehicle hardware.
Implementation Method 1
An actuation member is positioned within the channel and is movable between first and second positions. The actuation member is biased to the first position.
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly for a rail-mounted component of a vehicle includes a rail cartridge slidably coupled with a track and defines a first slot. A first electrical connector is positioned within the rail cartridge. A connection cartridge defines a channel. The connection cartridge includes first and second sidewalls joined by a bottom wall. A second electrical connector is positioned within the channel and is configured to selectively engage with the first electrical connector. An actuation member is positioned within the channel and is movable between first and second positions. The actuation member is biased to the first position. An actuator is operably coupled with the actuation member to selectively move the actuation member into the second position against the bias.