Suspension Mat Rack Drive for Independent Seat Zone Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension mat adjusting devices for vehicle seats lack improvements in functionality, actuation forces, reliability, compactness, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in allowing non-simultaneous adjustment of multiple actuation zones with efficient force transmission and reduced complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with two linearly displaceable racks and a rack gearwheel system driven by a single electric motor, allowing non-simultaneous adjustment of two actuation zones through Bowden cables with reduced friction and requiring fewer actuators, thus minimizing space and weight while maintaining robustness and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to adjust multiple actuation zones independently, then each zone can be adjusted simultaneously and independently, but the device complexity, weight, and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single actuator by using a common drive unit that controls multiple racks through a differential mechanism. This merging approach reduces the number of actuators from multiple independent motors to just one, thereby reducing device complexity, weight, and space consumption while maintaining the capability to adjust multiple actuation zones independently through electronic control of the differential mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple adjustment tasks. The differential mechanism allows one actuator to simultaneously or sequentially control multiple racks, each connected to different actuation zones, making the single actuator universal for multiple adjustment functions rather than requiring dedicated actuators for each zone
2Volume of moving object
If Bowden cables are routed through bent paths in the housing, then the actuator can be compactly arranged, but friction increases and actuation forces are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between compact arrangement and force transmission by changing the spatial dimension of cable routing. Instead of routing Bowden cables through bent paths within the housing volume, the cables are guided linearly along the direction of rack movement and exit the housing through receptacles on the housing surface. This dimensional change allows compact housing while maintaining full actuation force without friction losses from bending
3Device complexity
If a single actuator controls multiple actuation zones, then cost and weight are reduced, but the ability to adjust zones simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the system through the differential mechanism, which allows the single actuator to dynamically allocate its motion output to multiple racks in different proportions. By controlling the differential mechanism, the system can simultaneously adjust multiple actuation zones at different speeds and to different extents, or switch between adjusting different zones sequentially, thereby maintaining high productivity while using only one actuator
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
This solution enables efficient, cost-effective adjustment of multiple actuation zones with improved actuation forces and reduced complexity, enhancing user comfort and ergonomic flexibility while minimizing the overall weight and space requirements of the vehicle seat.
Implementation Method 1
a rack gearwheel (40) arranged in-between the first rack (20) and the second rack (30); such that a rotation of the rack gearwheel (40) around a first rotational direction effects a linear movement of the first rack (20) in a first direction and simultaneously effects a linear movement of the second rack (30) in a second direction different from the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The use of linearly displaceable racks allows linear force introduction into the respective Bowden cables without any bending of the cable or cable sheath. This reduces friction and enhances the effective actuation forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adjusting device 1 for adjusting a suspension mat 80 preferably for automotive seats 3, comprising a housing 10; a first rack 20 for driving at least one first Bowden cable 60, 62; wherein the first rack 20 is linearly displaceable within the housing 10; a second rack 30 for driving at least one second Bowden cable 70, 72, wherein the second rack 30 is linearly displaceable within the housing 10; and a rack gearwheel 40 arranged in-between the first rack 20 and the second rack 30, such that a rotation of the rack gearwheel 40 around a first rotational direction r1 effects a linear movement of the first rack 20 in a first direction 21 and simultaneously effects a linear movement of the second rack 30 in a second direction 31 different from the first direction 21. Further an adjusting device 1 with a group of different interfaces 150, 160 is described.