Vehicle Interior Adjustment Drive With Servo-Assisted Manual Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for adjusting interior assemblies in vehicles often require significant user effort to overcome loads, making adjustments cumbersome and less intuitive.
Innovation Solution
A drive device that combines manual adjustment with electromotor support in a servo mode, allowing users to apply only partial force for adjustments, with an inhibition device to lock the assembly in place when not adjusting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If manual adjustment is used, then the assembly can be adjusted without power consumption, but the user effort required becomes excessive and adjustments become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical adjustment system with an electromechanical system. An electric motor is integrated into the adjustment mechanism to provide powered assistance, converting part of the manual mechanical adjustment into an electromechanical process. This reduces the physical effort required from the user while maintaining the ability to adjust without continuous power consumption when in idle state.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment drive operates periodically rather than continuously - the motor is activated only during adjustment movements and remains idle otherwise. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall power consumption while providing assistance exactly when needed during adjustment actions, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If electromechanical adjustment drive is used, then user effort is reduced, but the complexity of the drive device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor, control unit, and adjustment mechanism into an integrated assembly. The control unit is combined with the motor assembly, and the motor is integrated directly into the adjustment drive mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the electromechanical assistance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment drive is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides powered assistance during adjustment, maintains position when idle, and can operate in both manual-assist and fully automatic modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustment drive is made variable and adjustable, then adaptability to different positions is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and movement of the adjustable component, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the control unit to automatically adjust motor parameters such as speed and torque based on the current state, achieving variable and adaptable adjustment without requiring complex manual control. The feedback loop simplifies the user interface while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment drive is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its behavior during operation. The motor can vary its speed and force output dynamically based on the adjustment phase and load conditions. This dynamic capability provides adaptability across different adjustment scenarios while the control unit manages the complexity of coordinating these dynamic parameters.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to hold the assembly in place, then positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the adjustable component reaches its target position. The system self-locks without requiring separate manual locking actions or complex control sequences. This automatic self-locking feature provides positioning stability while minimizing the addition of complexity, as the locking function is integrated into the existing adjustment drive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a brake mechanism as an intermediary element between the motor and the adjustable component. This brake serves as the locking mechanism, providing positioning stability by holding the component in place when the motor is not actively moving it. The brake is integrated into the drive train, allowing it to function as both a braking element during motion control and a locking element during stationary periods, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 intuitive, comfortable, and quick adjustments of interior assemblies by reducing the force required from the user, while ensuring the assembly remains securely positioned during non-adjustment periods.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment drive (20) which can be operated to provide adjustment assistance for adjusting the interior assembly (11, 12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device (2) for adjusting an interior assembly (11) of a vehicle (1), comprising an electromotive adjustment drive (20) for adjusting the interior assembly (11) and a control device (3) for controlling the adjustment drive (20). The control device (3) is designed to activate the adjustment drive (20) in a servo operation to provide a supporting force during manual adjustment of the interior assembly (11) by a user. In this way, a drive device is provided for adjusting an interior assembly in a vehicle, which drive device can facilitate simple, convenient and intuitive adjustment of the interior assembly for a user.