Unitary Seat Track System Integrating Upper and Lower Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat track systems are often massive, costly, and unreliable, failing to provide a reliable, low-cost, and widely acceptable solution for translational adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A seat track system that integrates upper and lower tracks with the vehicle seat and vehicle frame, forming a one-piece unitary member to reduce mass and cost, while using friction reducing members and a latch system for efficient movement and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional separate track assemblies are used, then the seat track system provides reliable movement and adjustment, but the system becomes massive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the upper track assembly and lower track assembly into a single integrated track system. The upper track is formed as one piece with the seat base side members, and the lower track is formed as one piece with the vehicle floor, creating a unified structure that reduces overall mass while maintaining the functional reliability of separate track components through their integrated design
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate track assemblies are used, then the seat track system provides adjustable functionality, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of track assemblies with structural components (seat base side members and vehicle floor) reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the adjustment functionality through the integrated design that maintains all necessary movement and positioning capabilities
3Device complexity
If integrated one-piece track assemblies are used, then mass and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the complexity of integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the upper track with the seat base side members and the lower track with the vehicle floor to form integrated one-piece structures. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and fasteners, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall structural complexity while achieving significant mass reduction
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 system achieves reduced mass and cost, enhanced efficiency, and improved vehicle seat performance with increased stability and reduced free play, allowing for effective translational adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
friction reducing members and a latch system for efficient movement and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A seat track system for use in a vehicle seat assembly having a seat base frame. The seat track system includes a lower track assembly having a first lower track and a second lower track and an upper track assembly having a first upper track slidably disposed within the first lower track and a second upper track slidably disposed within the second lower track. The first upper track has a portion extending upwards that forms a first side member of the seat base frame and the second upper track has a portion extending upwards that forms a second side member of the seat base frame. The first upper track and the first side member are formed integrally to form a one-piece unitary member and the second upper track and the second side member are formed integrally to form a one-piece unitary member.