Self-Centering Vehicle Seat Holding Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for vehicle seats, such as those in buses, are expensive to manufacture and have limited application due to their complex structure and alignment requirements, particularly with open profiles and lateral positioning of through-openings, which complicates their integration into bus floor structures.

Innovation Solution

A holding device featuring a holding profile with a through-opening extending in its longitudinal direction, combined with a sliding block that self-centers using a fastening element, allowing for secure fixation and support of vehicle components like seat bases, partition walls, or mini-kitchen structures, with centering sections that can be conically or beveled for enhanced alignment and a cover to close the profile partially, thus acting as a structurally advantageous closed profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an open profile holding profile with lateral through-opening is used, then the holding device can be manufactured with simpler structure, but the alignment of sliding blocks within the holding profile becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing cost of holding profileVSAvoidalignment complexity of sliding blocks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centering sections are designed to automatically align the sliding block within the holding profile through self-centering bracing, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms and reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If centering sections are designed conically or beveled, then the sliding block achieves self-centering alignment, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-centering alignment capabilityVSAvoidprecision of centering section geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centering sections utilize conical or beveled geometric parameters to create self-centering functionality through controlled friction and mechanical bracing, achieving alignment through geometric design rather than high-precision machining

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the holding profile is designed as open profile, then the structure is simpler and cost-effective, but the structural integrity and crash resistance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing cost and simplicityVSAvoidstructural integrity and crash resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support section merges with the holding profile to form an integrated structure that combines the simplicity of open profile construction with the strength of closed profile characteristics, achieving both cost-effectiveness and structural integrity

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 solution provides a cost-effective and versatile holding device that securely fastens vehicle components, enhances structural integrity by supporting floor structures, and improves crash resistance through increased static friction, while allowing for versatile application across various vehicle configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the sliding block can be self-centeringly braced within the holding section by means of a fastening element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The retaining profile centering section and the sliding block centering section are designed conically and/or expediently beveled at the side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2803525B1Holding device, in particular for a vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2803525B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2803525B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2803525B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device (100) for a vehicle component, e.g., a seat frame (10) for a vehicle seat (20). The holding device (100) comprises a holding profile (1) for attaching a support section (11) for the vehicle component, which has at least one through-opening (A) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the holding profile (1), and at least one T-nut (2) for fixing the support section (11) to the holding profile (1). The holding device (100) is characterized in particular by the fact that the holding profile (1) has a centering section (Z1) and the T-nut (2) has a centering section (Z2), and the holding profile centering section (Z1) and the T-nut centering section (Z2) are designed such that the T-nut (2) can be self-centeringly clamped within the holding profile (1).