Star Shoulder Vehicle Seat Fitting Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fittings are expensive to manufacture and fit, with small spacings between fixing points, leading to increased welding costs and potential misalignment issues during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a star shoulder and enclosing ring design that allows for universal application in various joining methods, reducing welding expenses and ensuring precise positioning, while providing a modular system for different applications, including a mechanism for adjusting the backrest inclination using an eccentric epicyclic gear system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cone-shaped shoulders are used for fixing, then the fitting can be securely attached to the structure, but the spacings between fixing points are small and manufacturing/fitting costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The star shoulder is segmented into multiple arms (typically 3-6 arms) that radiate from a central point. Each arm acts as an independent fixing element, providing multiple fixing points while maintaining a single integrated structure. This segmentation allows for larger spacings between fixing points compared to conventional multi-shoulder designs, while still achieving secure attachment through the distributed arm structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple fixing functions into a single star-shaped structure that integrates the functions of multiple shoulders into one component. The star shoulder combines positioning, fixing, and structural support functions in a single element, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps required, thereby lowering manufacturing and fitting costs.
2Reliability
If multiple cone-shaped shoulders are used, then fixing is achieved, but welding expenses increase due to multiple interruptions in the welding process
Solution Approach 1:
The star shoulder merges multiple fixing functions into a single continuous structure, allowing the welding process to proceed uninterrupted across the entire fixing interface. The integrated star-shaped design enables continuous welding along the perimeter or across multiple arms without requiring repositioning or restarting the welding operation, thereby improving welding efficiency and productivity.
3Strength
If an enclosing ring is used to increase solidity, then safety is improved, but positioning accuracy during assembly may be compromised without proper centering
Solution Approach 1:
The centering section acts as an intermediary element between the enclosing ring and the first fitting part. It provides a dedicated centering function that ensures accurate positioning of the enclosing ring relative to the fitting part before final attachment. This intermediary centering mechanism eliminates positioning errors while maintaining the structural benefits of the enclosing ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosing ring is functionally segmented into distinct regions: the centering section for positioning, the enclosing section for structural support, and the fixing section for attachment. This functional segmentation allows each section to optimize its specific purpose, with the centering section ensuring positioning accuracy while the enclosing section provides solidity.
4Length of stationary object
If a star shoulder with multi-arm design is used, then fixing point spacings are increased, but the complexity of the shoulder geometry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The star shoulder employs radial symmetry rather than axial symmetry, creating a geometry that is asymmetric in one view but symmetric in plan view. This approach allows for increased spacing between fixing points along the radial direction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the repetitive radial pattern. The symmetric radial design simplifies manufacturing compared to asymmetric alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The star shoulder utilizes curved, rounded arm profiles rather than sharp angular transitions. The curved geometry of the arms provides smooth stress distribution and simplifies manufacturing processes such as stamping or forming. The curved design maintains structural integrity while enabling larger spacing between fixing points compared to angular designs.
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 reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, enhances the fitting's solidity and safety, and allows for continuous adjustment of the backrest inclination without wobbling, improving the dynamic operating characteristics and reducing the need for auxiliary devices.
Implementation Method 1
said star shoulder having a multi-arm, substantially symmetric star shape, a defined interface between the fitting and the structure of the seat part or of the backrest is created
Implementation Method 2
which engages over the first fitting part radially outward and partly covers its outer surface, creates a centering aid
Implementation Method 3
The enclosing ring which is fixed to the first fitting part besides increases solidity of the fitting and consequently its safety
Implementation Method 4
a mechanism for adjusting the backrest inclination using an eccentric epicyclic gear system
Implementation Method 5
adjusting the backrest inclination without wobbling, improving the dynamic operating characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
With a fitting for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part and a second fitting part which are rotatable relative to each other and which are axially held together by an enclosing ring, wherein at least one fitting part has a shoulder on the end face facing away from the other fitting part, said shoulder having an axially protruding contour, for the form-fitting cooperation with the structure of a seat part or a backrest of the vehicle seat, a star shoulder is provided as shoulder, said star shoulder having a multi-arm, substantially symmetric star shape.