Track Assembly Lever Mechanism for Modular Vehicle Seat Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track assemblies are complex to use and assemble, often requiring multiple steps and components, and may not effectively transfer forces from side members to the track, particularly in vertically connecting components or seats.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly design featuring a support member with levers that rotate about a pin, allowing forces to be transferred from side members to the track independently of the support member, with a modular configuration to support various components, including a vehicle seat, and an electrical connector for power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional track assemblies use multiple components and complex connection mechanisms, then force transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support member, lever, and fastener into an integrated assembly where the lever is directly attached to the support member and rotates about a pin that is also attached to the support member. This merging of components maintains force transfer capability while reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the rotating lever mechanism, contains the pin for rotation, and includes the gap feature for lever movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining effective force transfer from side members to the track.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional track assemblies use fixed connection mechanisms, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation and adjustability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to rotate about the pin, transitioning between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the track. This dynamic mechanism allows the assembly to be adjusted and repositioned along the track while maintaining structural stability when the lever is engaged, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary between the support member and the track, providing a rotating connection that allows for adjustment and repositioning. When engaged, the lever mediates force transfer while maintaining stability; when disengaged, it allows for movement and reconfiguration, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If track assemblies require vertical connection capability, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the support member provides vertical support structure, the lever provides rotational movement capability, and the pin provides the rotation axis. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving vertical connection versatility.
4Strength
If fasteners are positioned to contact the lever during rotation, then force transfer is improved, but the lever cannot rotate into engagement without contacting the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fastener below the lever's rotation path in the vertical dimension, creating a gap that allows the lever to rotate into engagement without horizontal contact with the fastener. The fastener still contacts the lever during the rotation to transfer forces, but the vertical spacing prevents interference during the engagement process, thus resolving the contradiction between force transfer and ease of operation.
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
Simplifies the assembly and operation of track assemblies by enabling efficient force transfer and modular support of different components, while allowing for secure and adjustable mounting of seats and other components within vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The lever may be configured to rotate about a pin
Implementation Method 2
The fastener may be configured to transfer forces from the first side member and/or the second side member to the track via the support member, the pin, and/or the lever
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly includes a track, a support member, a first side member, and a second side member. The support member may include a lever that may be configured to selectively engage the track. The first side member and/or the second side member may be connected to the support member via a fastener. The lever may be configured to rotate about a pin. The fastener may be configured to contact at least one of the lever and/or the pin. The fastener may include a first axis, and/or the pin may include a second axis. The first axis may be disposed below the second axis. The first axis may be substantially perpendicular to the second axis. A gap may be disposed between the lever and/or the fastener.