Vehicle Adjustment Device Locking Mechanism Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment devices for motor vehicle interior components, such as vehicle seats, risk inadvertent adjustments due to vibrations, as the frictional connections can be impaired, leading to unintended movements.
Innovation Solution
The adjustment device features a locking mechanism with a first and second locking element interacting through a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection, where the second locking element is reversibly movable between a blocking and adjustment situation, and an adapter plate is used to displace the second locking element, reducing the required lifting height and unlocking distance, thereby minimizing the risk of inadvertent adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking elements interact with a larger lifting height, then the form-fitting connection is more secure against vibrations, but the adapter plate requires a larger unlocking distance which increases the idling distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric arrangement by positioning the actuator region laterally offset from the unlocking region rather than aligning them vertically. This dimensional repositioning allows the lifting height to be optimized for locking stability while the lateral offset compensates by providing the necessary unlocking distance, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and minimal idling distance
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate is pre-positioned with its actuator region laterally offset from the unlocking region. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when the locking elements engage with optimal lifting height for vibration resistance, the adapter plate is already in the correct position to provide adequate unlocking distance without requiring additional idling distance
2Strength
If the lifting height is increased to improve locking stability, then the form-fitting connection is more secure, but the adapter plate must travel a longer distance to achieve unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by repositioning the actuator region in a lateral dimension rather than increasing the vertical lifting height. This allows the locking elements to engage with maximum strength while the lateral offset of the actuator region provides the necessary unlocking distance without requiring the adapter plate to travel a longer path
3Length of moving object
If the lifting movement is reduced to minimize idling distance, then the adapter plate travels a shorter distance, but the unlocking height is reduced compromising locking stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced lifting height by introducing a lateral offset between the actuator region and unlocking region. This dimensional change allows the adapter plate to travel a shorter vertical distance while the lateral offset ensures adequate unlocking distance is provided, thereby maintaining both minimal idling distance and locking stability
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric configuration is preliminarily designed with the actuator region laterally offset from the unlocking region. This pre-established spatial relationship ensures that even with reduced lifting height, the adapter plate can effectively disengage the locking elements through the lateral offset, maintaining locking stability while minimizing idling distance
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 configuration reduces the likelihood of inadvertent adjustments during vibrations by requiring a smaller lifting movement for unlocking, enhancing the security of the locking mechanism without increasing the idling distance, and allows for deeper engagement of locking elements for improved stability.
Implementation Method 1
the first locking element and the second locking element interact with each other in an unlocking region by means of a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection
Implementation Method 2
a locking device which ensures that the adjustment device is blocked by a frictional connection between a braking ring and braking elements
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment device includes a housing in which a rotary element is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis, a locking device having a first locking element, connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotary element, and a second locking element arranged on the housing and which can be reversibly moved between a primary position in a locked situation, in which the locking elements have a form- and/or force-locking connection, and a secondary position without the connection. An adapter plate is rotates relative to the rotary element and the housing. An unlocking element cooperates with the adapter plate in an actuator region when the second locking element is transferred into the secondary position. The second locking element is shifted by an unlocking height in the unlocking region, and by a lifting height in the actuator region. The actuator region is arranged with the lifting height smaller than the unlocking height.