Solenoid Seat Fittings for Faster Vehicle Seat Track Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat attachment systems in vehicles require time-consuming manual operations to attach and detach seats from seat tracks, especially in large vehicles with multiple seats, due to the need for screwing threaded shafts to deploy and retract locking studs.
Innovation Solution
Mechanically and electro-mechanically actuated seat fittings with movable locking studs, utilizing plungers and solenoids to quickly lock and unlock seats to seat tracks, eliminating the need for manual screwing, and allowing for quicker rearrangement of seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual screwing of threaded shafts is used to deploy and retract locking studs, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the operation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical screwing operation with an electromechanical solenoid actuation system. The solenoid converts electrical energy to mechanical motion to automatically deploy and retract the locking stud, eliminating the need for manual threaded shaft operation while maintaining reliable locking through the same stud engagement mechanism with the seat track
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through solenoid engagement. When electrical power is applied to the solenoid, it automatically extends the locking stud into the seat track without requiring external manual intervention, and retracts when power is removed, enabling rapid repositioning of seats
2Reliability
If manual screwing operations are required for each seat, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but the productivity for rearranging multiple seats decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated solenoid actuation for each seat fitting. This allows multiple seats to be rapidly repositioned by simply moving them along the track while the solenoids automatically handle the locking and unlocking operations at each position, dramatically increasing productivity compared to manual screwing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static manual operation to a dynamic automated system. The solenoid enables the locking stud to quickly extend and retract based on the seat's position along the track, allowing continuous movement and rapid adjustment of multiple seats without the repetitive manual screwing motion
3Device complexity
If threaded shafts are used to deploy locking studs, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming manual screwing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple manual threaded shaft mechanism with an electromechanical solenoid system. While this increases structural complexity by adding electrical components, it dramatically improves ease of operation by eliminating manual screwing, allowing operators to simply guide seats along the track while the solenoids automatically handle locking operations
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 new seat fittings significantly reduce the time and effort required to attach or detach seats, enhancing efficiency and convenience in rearranging vehicle seating configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid disposed in the body. The solenoid is operable to move the locking stud between a retracted position in which the locking stud is disposed in the body and an extended position in which the locking stud extends outward from the bottom surface of the body and into the seat track
Data Source
AI summary
Seat fittings for attaching seats to seat tracks in a vehicle and related systems and methods are described herein. An example seat fitting includes a body having a bottom surface to face a seat track, a locking stud, and a solenoid disposed in the body. The solenoid is operable to move the locking stud between a retracted position in which the locking stud is disposed in the body and an extended position in which the locking stud extends outward from the bottom surface of the body and into the seat track.