Motor Vehicle Slide Assembly Leaf Spring Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide assemblies for motor vehicle interiors are complex and costly due to their numerous components, which complicates their structure and manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A slide assembly featuring a first and second member with a leaf spring device that facilitates relative sliding movement, utilizing a raised contact portion and a polymeric material for a simple, low-cost, and efficient design, with tunable sections to provide consistent resistance during sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional slide assembly with multiple components is used, then the sliding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional slide assembly components into a single integrated leaf spring device. The leaf spring device includes a body portion with integrated contact portions that directly interface with the sliding members, eliminating the need for separate pins, bushings, and fasteners. This merging of components achieves the required sliding function while dramatically reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sliding interface, acts as a spring element to absorb forces, and functions as a structural connector between sliding members. The raised contact portions on the leaf spring body perform both load-bearing and guiding functions, reducing the need for specialized components.
2Reliability
If a traditional slide assembly with many components is used, then the sliding function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into a single leaf spring device, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly steps. The leaf spring device can be manufactured as a single piece using injection molding or similar processes, eliminating the need for multiple machining operations, assembly operations, and associated quality control steps required for traditional multi-component slide assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes polymeric materials with specific mechanical properties (elastic modulus, yield strength, friction characteristics) to achieve the sliding function. By selecting appropriate polymer materials and adjusting manufacturing parameters such as wall thickness and geometry of the leaf spring device, the desired sliding characteristics can be achieved through a single manufacturing process rather than multiple assembly operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple slide assembly structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the sliding movement may lack consistency and predictability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates specific geometric features at critical locations of the leaf spring device to ensure consistent sliding movement. The raised contact portions have precisely defined radii and positions that control the interaction with sliding members. The leaf spring device includes tapered sections and varying wall thicknesses that provide controlled spring rates and consistent force distribution during sliding, ensuring predictable movement characteristics despite the simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring device incorporates dynamic elements through its spring-like geometry and material properties. The raised contact portions are designed with specific radii that allow for controlled deformation and elastic recovery during sliding, providing consistent resistance and movement characteristics. The tapered sections of the leaf spring device enable progressive engagement and disengagement, ensuring smooth and predictable sliding motion.
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 slide assembly achieves smooth and predictable relative sliding movement with reduced complexity and cost, utilizing polymeric materials like PES, PEEK, or PEI for consistent spring force and low friction, allowing for efficient manufacturing and balanced resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A first leaf spring device is disposed between the first and second members for facilitating relative sliding movement between the first and second members
Implementation Method 2
The first leaf spring device includes a raised contact portion that slidingly interfaces with one of the first and second members during the relative sliding movement
Data Source
AI summary
Slide assemblies for motor vehicles are provided. In one example, a slide assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first member and a second member that is slidingly coupled with the first member. A first leaf spring device is disposed between the first and second members for facilitating relative sliding movement between the first and second members. The first leaf spring device includes a raised contact portion that slidingly interfaces with one of the first and second members during the relative sliding movement.