Sliding Device Lock Plate Stabilization via Wire Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding devices for seats, such as those described in Japanese Patent No. 6090107, face challenges in maintaining stable operation and efficient locking mechanisms due to the complexity of their configurations and the potential for large deviations in force application, which can lead to instability in the locking and unlocking processes.
Innovation Solution
A sliding device comprising a fixed rail, a movable rail, a lock plate, a spring member, and stoppers that apply elastic force to maintain the lock plate in a locking position, with the spring member formed by bending a metallic wire rod into specific shapes to stabilize the lock plate's operation and restrict its displacement, ensuring stable engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the lock plate with locking protrusions for engagement, the spring member for elastic force application, and the stoppers for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from traditional locking mechanisms. By using a direct spring-to-plate connection with stoppers for positioning, the design removes redundant elements that would increase complexity, achieving a simplified yet stable locking system
2Reliability
If the spring member applies elastic force at a single point, then the structure is simple, but large deviations in force application occur leading to operational instability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is designed with differentiated local properties: it has an expanded portion that contacts the lock plate at multiple points to distribute force evenly, while other portions maintain a simpler wire structure. This local quality variation allows stable force application without requiring complex overall spring geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member transitions from a simple linear wire to a three-dimensional structure with an expanded portion that contacts the lock plate across multiple points. This dimensional change from one-point to multi-point contact stabilizes force application while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Reliability
If the lock plate is not firmly fixed to the spring member, then the structure is simpler, but the lock plate displacement cannot be properly restricted leading to unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The stoppers are integrally formed with the lock plate, meaning the lock plate itself provides the positioning features rather than requiring separate external stoppers. This self-service approach firmly fixes the lock plate to the spring member while keeping the overall structure simple and reducing the number of discrete components
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 proposed sliding device achieves stable and efficient locking and unlocking operations by applying consistent elastic force through the spring member, preventing large deviations in force application and enhancing the overall stability and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The spring member applies to the plate surface an elastic force to maintain the lock plate in the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding device includes a fixed rail, a movable rail, a lock plate, a spring member, and a first stopper and a second stopper provided on the lock plate. The lock plate is held by the movable rail, and is displaceable between a locking position where the lock plate engages with the fixed rail and a non-locking position where the engagement is released. The spring member can exert an elastic force to maintain the lock plate in the locking position. The first stopper locks and fixes a first end of the lock plate to the spring member. The second stopper locks and fixes a second end of the lock plate to the spring member.