Vehicle Seat Track Support Hook for Impact Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive vehicle seat track systems fail to effectively distribute and manage forces during a collision, particularly when equipment like seatbelts and seat cushions are attached offset from the mobile profile, leading to potential detachment and reduced safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fixed and mobile profile with a support structure featuring a hook-shaped engaging part that deforms into a slot on the mobile profile during impact, ensuring secure engagement and distribution of forces across the support, without requiring additional parts or significant changes to production methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If equipment like seatbelts and seat cushions are attached offset from the mobile profile, then the support structure can accommodate equipment positioning requirements, but the attachment system becomes vulnerable to detachment during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two functional parts: a holding part for equipment attachment and an engaging part for profile engagement. This segmentation allows the holding part to be positioned offset for equipment accommodation while the engaging part remains properly positioned for secure profile engagement during collision
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging part extends in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the profile) rather than only along the longitudinal direction. This dimensional change allows the engaging part to engage with the profile at an optimal position while the holding part can be offset for equipment attachment
2Reliability
If additional parts or elements are added to improve collision force distribution, then safety during impact is enhanced, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it holds equipment during normal operation and engages with the mobile profile during collision to distribute forces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate safety components, maintaining simplicity while improving collision safety
Solution Approach 2:
The holding part and engaging part are merged into a single integrated support structure. This combination allows the same component to perform both equipment attachment and collision force distribution functions, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying production
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
Enhances safety by maintaining the attachment of seatbelts and cushions during vehicle collisions, minimizing the risk of detachment and improving the robustness of the attachment system while maintaining production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the slot is configured for allowing the engaging part to deform in case of impact of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the holding part is fixed by at least one weld to the main surface of the mobile profile
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a vehicle seat track, in particular automotive vehicle, and a support, where the track comprises a fixed profile intended to be added onto the chassis of the vehicle and a mobile profile configured for sliding relative to the fixed profile. The support comprises an engaging part forming a hook, where the engaging part is configured for engaging with the mobile profile in case of impact of the vehicle.