Wobble Mechanism Flat Housing Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wobble mechanisms for motor vehicle seat adjustments are complex and costly to manufacture, requiring additional securing components and lacking in compact design while aiming for large adjustment forces with small actuating forces.
Innovation Solution
A wobble mechanism with a flat housing divided into two parts, featuring an oscillating wheel with external teeth that mesh with internal teeth, where the housing itself provides axial guidance and support, eliminating the need for additional securing components and allowing for simple assembly and economical production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wobble mechanisms use additional securing components to hold the oscillating wheel, then the axial guidance is reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to integrate multiple functions: it provides axial guidance for the oscillating wheel, supports the internal teeth, and structurally secures the assembly. By merging the guidance function into the housing itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate securing components while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as the outer wheel with internal teeth, provides axial guidance for the oscillating wheel, and structurally supports the entire mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces component count while maintaining system reliability.
2Strength
If the housing is produced as a single piece, then the structural integrity is high, but the manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separable parts that can be manufactured independently using cost-effective processes like stamping or injection molding, then joined together. This segmentation allows for economical mass production while maintaining structural integrity through proper joining methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts are joined along a dividing plane, creating a modular structure that facilitates manufacturing. The separation allows each part to be produced in two dimensions (flat patterns) before being assembled into the three-dimensional final structure, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances are used in assembly, then the switchover clearance is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing parts are pre-formed with integrated guidance features and tooth profiles during manufacturing, so that when assembled, the components naturally align with minimal clearance. This preliminary formation of precise geometries reduces the need for tight assembly tolerances while maintaining low switchover clearance.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective wobble mechanism with tight tolerances and improved crash resistance, reducing production costs and enabling efficient mass production while maintaining high mechanical strength and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the external teeth of the oscillating wheel mesh with the internal teeth of the housing
Implementation Method 2
an oscillating wheel with external teeth, wherein the external teeth of the oscillating wheel mesh with the internal teeth of the housing, and wherein the housing as such is divided along a dividing plane into at least two housing parts, which are joined together in the assembled state
Data Source
AI summary
A wobble mechanism, in particular for a two-part adjustment fitting of a vehicle seat, is provided with a flat housing with internal toothing and with an oscillating wheel with external toothing, which is arranged within the housing and is eccentrically rotatable around a center axis of the housing. The external toothing of the oscillating wheel engages with the internal toothing of the housing. The housing is divided into at least two housing parts along a dividing plane.