Integrated Seat Track Release for Easy Entry Without NVH

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing easy entry seat systems suffer from tolerance stack-up issues leading to noise, vibration, harshness (NVH), and system inoperability due to separate mechanisms for lifting and unlocking the seat, causing undesirable track ratcheting.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat system with a first seat lift and track release assembly that integrates a spring to exert torque on both an entry lever and a lifter lever during different stages of release, reducing the part count and managing tolerance stack-up, thereby minimizing NVH and inoperability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate mechanisms are used for lifting the seat and unlocking the seat from the track, then the seat can achieve easy entry functionality, but the part count increases and tolerance stack-up causes track ratcheting and NVH

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeasy entry functionalityVSAvoidpart count

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the seat lifting mechanism and track unlocking mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The spring-loaded lever simultaneously performs both functions: lifting the seat cushion and disengaging the track lock, thereby reducing part count and eliminating tolerance stack-up between separate mechanisms while maintaining easy entry functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded lever is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both seat lifting and track unlocking operations. This universal component replaces what were previously separate mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the same operational goals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate mechanisms are used for lifting the seat and unlocking the seat from the track, then the seat can achieve easy entry functionality, but tolerance stack-up causes track ratcheting and NVH

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeasy entry functionalityVSAvoidNVH and track ratcheting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the lifting and unlocking mechanisms into one integrated spring-loaded assembly, the patent eliminates the interface between separate components where tolerance stack-up occurs. This single integrated mechanism prevents track ratcheting and the associated NVH while maintaining easy entry operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded mechanism provides controlled, cushioned motion during seat lifting and track unlocking. The spring absorption prevents sudden impacts and reduces vibrations that would otherwise contribute to NVH, while the integrated design prevents track ratcheting from the outset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If separate mechanisms are used for lifting the seat and unlocking the seat from the track, then the seat can achieve easy entry functionality, but the system becomes more complex and harder to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeasy entry functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the lifting and unlocking mechanisms into a single assembly that can be manufactured and assembled as one unit. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured separately and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the dual functionality for easy entry operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The integrated spring mechanism effectively lifts and unlocks the seat while reducing NVH and inoperability, enhancing system efficiency and space utilization by managing large tolerance chains.

Implementation Method 1

a spring that is configured to during a first stage of vehicle seat release, exert torque on the entry lever and during a second stage of the vehicle seat release, exert torque on the lifter lever to initiate unlock of a track locking device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the spring may be a torsion bar spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion bar spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20250388160A1Easy Entry System with Spring Integrated Track Release

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE SE & CO KG COBURG

AI summary

Systems and methods for a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat system includes, in one example, a seat lift and track release assembly coupled to a seat frame and including a spring configured to during a first stage of vehicle seat release, exert torque on an entry lever and during a second stage of the vehicle seat release, exert torque on a lifter lever to initiate unlock of a track locking device. Further, in the vehicle seat system, the seat lift and track release assembly includes the lifter lever and the entry lever.