Seat adjuster

A seat adjuster includes an adjustable slider, a cam lever, and/or a pivot arm. The cam lever may be rotatably connected to the slider at or about a cam-slider axis such that the cam lever pivots about the cam-slider axis when the slider is adjusted. The pivot arm may have a first arm end and a second arm end disposed opposite one another. The first arm end may be rotatably connected to the cam lever at or about a cam-arm axis such that, when the slider is adjusted, (i) the cam lever pivots about the cam-arm axis and (ii) the pivot arm pivots about an arm-housing axis extending through the second arm end.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a seat adjuster for seat assemblies, including seat assemblies in vehicles, and a seat assembly with a seat adjuster.

BACKGROUND

This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the instant disclosure.

Some seat adjusters may be relatively difficult to use, may require a relatively large amount of force to actuate, and/or may include an actuation force that greatly fluctuates during the actuation process.

There is a desire for solutions/options that address, minimize, and/or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of seat adjusters and seat assemblies. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present field and is not a disavowal of scope.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, a seat adjuster may include an adjustable slider, a cam lever, and/or a pivot arm. The cam lever may be rotatably connected to the slider at a cam-slider axis such that the cam lever pivots about the cam-slider axis when the slider is adjusted. The pivot arm may have a first arm end and a second arm end that may be disposed opposite one another. The first arm end may be rotatably connected to the cam lever at a cam-arm axis such that, when the slider is adjusted, (i) the cam lever is configured to pivot about the cam-arm axis and (ii) the pivot arm is configured to pivot about an arm-housing axis extending through the second arm end.

With embodiments, a seat adjuster may include a housing, a handle, a slider, a cam lever, and/or a pivot arm. The housing may include a handle opening. The slider may be adjustably disposed within the housing and may be adjustable to a retracted position and an extended position. The handle may be connected to the slider and at least a portion of the handle may project from the housing via the handle opening. The slider may be adjustable via the handle. The cam lever may be rotatably connected to the slider at a cam-slider axis such that the cam lever pivots about the cam-slider axis when the slider is adjusted. The pivot arm may have a first arm end and a second arm end disposed opposite one another. The first arm end may be rotatably connected to the cam lever at a cam-arm axis such that the cam lever pivots about the cam-arm axis when the slider is adjusted. The second arm end may be rotatably connected to the housing at an arm-housing axis such that the pivot arm pivots about the arm-housing axis when the slider is adjusted. The slider, the cam lever, and the pivot arm may be configured such that (i) the cam-arm axis is disposed at a vertical level between the cam-slider axis and the handle opening when the slider is in the retracted position, and/or (ii) the cam-slider axis is disposed at a vertical level between the cam-arm axis and the handle opening when the slider is in the extended position.

The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of examples/embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, it will be understood that they do not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIG. 1, a seat assembly100may include a seat101, an adjustment mechanism102, and/or a seat adjuster103.

With embodiments, the seat101may include a seat frame104, a seat base105, and/or a seat back106. The seat base105and the seat back106may be connected to and/or disposed on the seat frame104and supported by the seat frame104. The seat frame104, the seat base105, and/or the seat back106may be configured to adjust, move, recline, rotate, fold, collapse, etc. via actuation of the adjustment mechanism102.

In embodiments, the adjustment mechanism102may be connected to the seat101, the seat frame104, and/or a component thereof. The adjustment mechanism102may facilitate, initiate, and/or otherwise perform adjustment of one or more characteristics of the seat101, such as position, reclining angle, and/or firmness, among others. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism102may include a seat recliner, a seat position adjuster, a track assembly, a support adjuster, a locking mechanism, and/or an easy entry system, for example and without limitation. To actuate the adjustment mechanism102, a force equal to or greater than a threshold force may be applied to the adjustment mechanism102, for example, by a cable108. The adjustment mechanism102may or may not actuate the instant a threshold force is applied. In some embodiments, to fully actuate the adjustment mechanism102, a force equal to or greater than the threshold force be continuously applied to the adjustment mechanism102to actuate the adjustment mechanism102along an actuation trajectory. A threshold force profile107may be a function of a threshold force and an actuation trajectory (see, e.g.,FIG. 10). For example, the adjustment mechanism102may have an actuation trajectory of approximately 28 mm, may involve a minimum movement range of 16 mm to be unlocked (e.g., unlock a position of the seat101), and a movement range of the full 28 mm to fully actuate the adjustment mechanism102and bring the seat101to a desired position, such as a collapsed position. The threshold force, however, may or may not be constant along the actuation trajectory. For instance, in the embodiment generally illustrated inFIG. 10, the threshold force to actuate the adjustment mechanism102at 1.1 mm of the actuation trajectory may be approximately 150 N, while the threshold force to actuate the adjustment mechanism102at approximately 4 mm may be approximately 54 N, for example and without limitation. This fluctuation, deviation, and/or variation in the threshold force along the actuation trajectory (e.g., in the threshold force profile107) may complicate operation of the adjustment mechanism102and/or may frustrate users.

With embodiments, the adjustment mechanism102may be operatively connected to the seat adjuster103such that the adjustment mechanism102may be actuated by the seat adjuster103. One or more cables108(e.g., Bowden cables) may operatively connect the seat adjuster103and the adjustment mechanism102. At least one of the cables108may be structured independently of the adjustment mechanism102and/or the seat adjuster103. Additionally and/or alternatively, at least one of the cables108may be a component of the adjustment mechanism102and/or the seat adjuster103. Some embodiments may include multiple adjustment mechanisms102and/or multiple seat adjusters103. Multiple adjustment mechanisms102may be operatively connected to a single seat adjuster103or individually connected to a respective seat adjuster103of the multiple of seat adjusters103. In one illustrative example, a seat assembly100may have several adjustment mechanisms102including a seat recliner, a track assembly, and a locking mechanism, each of which may be operatively connected to the same seat adjuster103such that operation of the seat adjuster103actuates (e.g., substantially simultaneously) the locking mechanism, the seat recliner, and the track assembly unlocking the position of the seat101, folding the seat back106toward the seat base105, and/or sliding the seat101forward.

In some embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the seat adjuster103may be configured to receive an input force and transfer the force, for example, to the adjustment mechanism102. Like the threshold force, a minimum input force may need to be applied (e.g., continuously) to the seat adjuster103to actuate the adjustment mechanism102. A plot of the input force along the actuation trajectory may define an input force profile109, such as generally depicted inFIG. 10. In this way, the seat adjuster103may facilitate actuation of the adjustment mechanism102. Additionally and/or alternatively, the input force may be provided by a user actuating a handle114, lever, or other component of the seat adjuster103. The input force may also be provided by a machine or device in response to receiving a signal, which may be sent when a user presses a button or flips a switch, for example.

In embodiments, a seat adjuster103may be configured to modify/transform the input force. For example, the seat adjuster103may be configured to transform and/or amplify the input force such that (i) an input force that is lower than the threshold force may actuate the adjustment mechanism102, and/or (ii) fluctuation, deviation, and/or variation of the input force profile109is lower or less pronounced than the fluctuation, deviation, and/or variation of the threshold force profile107. In some embodiments, the seat adjuster103may be configured such that the input force does not exceed, for example, approximately 55 N at any point of the input force profile109regardless of the threshold force (e.g., even for threshold forces of about 150 N). The seat adjuster103may be configured such that the input force varies between approximately 50 N to 25 N across the actuation trajectory.

In embodiments, the seat adjuster103may be connected to the seat101and/or the seat frame104, such as generally illustrated inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the seat adjuster103may be disposed on, at, or about an upper end of the seat frame104. The seat adjuster103may be connected to other locations on the seat101and/or seat frame104where the seat adjuster103and/or a handle114thereof may be readily accessible by a user or operator, such as at a side of the seat101and/or seat frame104.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIG. 3, the seat adjuster103may include a housing110, a cam lever111, a pivot arm112, a slider113, and/or a handle114. The cam lever111, the pivot arm112, the slider113, and/or the handle114may be at least partially disposed within the housing110. In embodiments, the cam lever111, the pivot arm112, and the slider113may be configured such that the seat adjuster103is configured as a scotch yoke mechanism.

In some embodiments, like the one shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the housing110may include a plurality of mounting holes115, which may extend therethrough. The mounting holes115may be configured to receive and/or facilitate the through passage of a screw, bolt, nail, or other structure for securing the seat adjuster103to the seat101and/or the seat frame104. The housing110may include an inner housing part116and an outer housing part117that may be connected together. When connected to the seat101and/or the seat frame104, the inner housing part116may be arranged in abutment with the seat101and/or the seat frame104and may be disposed between the seat101and/or the seat frame104and the outer housing part117. The housing110may define an interior space118disposed between the inner housing part116and the outer housing part117. The interior space118of the housing110may include an adjustment space119that may be configured to at least partially receive and/or to retain the slider113. The housing110may include a handle opening120that may connect the adjustment space119to an exterior space surrounding the seat adjuster103.

In embodiments, such as generally depicted inFIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the outer housing part117may define an outer contour121that may extend vertically in the Z-direction (e.g., when the seat back106is aligned with the Z-direction). The outer housing part117may include an inward facing surface122and/or a bulge or extended portion123. The outer contour121may extend to an upper edge124of the outer housing part117, such as to form a first opening portion125of the handle opening120. The outer housing part117may include a first bearing portion126disposed at an opposite end of the outer contour121than the first opening portion125. The outer housing part117may include a guide127that may be configured for guiding the slider113along an adjustment path160of the slider113. The guide127may include one or more of a variety of configurations, such as a guide protrusion, a guide body, and/or a guide rail, for example. The guide127may by disposed on and/or project from the inward facing surface122of the outer housing part117and may be arranged adjacent to the outer contour121. The guide127may extend linearly and/or non-linearly along the inward facing surface122of the outer housing part117. The guide127may, for example, be disposed directly adjacent to the outer contour121relative to the Y-direction and/or a portion of the guide127may at least partially define the outer contour121. In some embodiments, the guide127may extend from the first bearing portion126to the first opening portion125. The outer housing part117may include a stop128that may be configured to limit movement of the slider113and/or prevent the slider113from being removed through the handle opening120. In some embodiments, the stop128may include a protrusion or body disposed near the upper edge124of the outer housing part117. The stop128may be aligned with the guide127, may be connected to the guide127, and/or may be formed as an extended portion of the guide127. The outer housing part117may include a cable track129through which the cable108connecting the seat adjuster103and the adjustment mechanism102may enter/exit the housing110. The cable track129may be disposed at a lower end130of the outer housing part117relative to the Z-direction, may be configured to receive at least a portion of the cable108, and/or may retain the cable108in proper position within the housing110.

With embodiments, the inner housing part116may define an inner contour131extending vertically in the Z-direction as shown inFIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B. The inner contour131may be formed or disposed in an inward facing surface132of the inner housing part116and/or may be defined by an inward facing surface(s) of a bulge or extended portion133of the inner housing part116. The inner contour131may extend to an upper edge134of the inner housing part116to form a second opening portion135of the handle opening120. The inner housing part116may include a second bearing portion136disposed at an opposite end of the inner contour131than the second opening portion135.

In some embodiments, the inner contour131and the outer contour121may be complimentary and/or disposed in alignment with one another such that, when the inner housing part116and the outer housing part117are connected to one another, (i) the inner contour131and the outer contour121may together define the adjustment space119, (ii) the first opening portion125and the second opening portion135may together define the handle opening120, and/or (iii) the first bearing portion126and the second bearing portion136may together define a bearing portion175of the housing110. An exemplary inner housing part116and outer housing part117connected to one another to form the housing110is generally depicted inFIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B, the slider113may be connected to the handle114and may be adjusted within the housing110via the handle114. The slider113may be connected to the handle114in a variety of ways, such as, by a screw, adhesive, a snap-in connection, or a male-female adaptor. The handle114may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials and may be configured to be actuated by a user. For example and without limitation, the handle114may be an elongated bar, a strap, and/or or a looped strap and may project out of the housing110, such as through the handle opening120. The slider113may include at least one handle protrusion137for connecting the slider113to the handle114. The handle protrusion137may be disposed on and/or project from a surface of the slider113and may be configured to be received within at least one complimentary receptacle of the handle114. For example, as generally illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 6B, the handle protrusion137may be a cylindrical body that may be received and/or retained in a handle receptacle138of the handle114.

In some embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B, the slider113may be connected to the cam lever111at a cam-slider axis139(also referred to as the C-S axis). The slider113may be connected to the cam lever111in a manner that may allow for the cam lever111to rotate as the slider113is adjusted, which may include connecting the slider113directly or indirectly to the cam lever111. The slider113may include a slider protrusion140for connecting the slider113to the cam lever111. The slider protrusion140may be disposed on and/or project from a surface of the slider113and may be configured to be received within at least one complimentary slider receptacle152of the cam lever111. As shown generally illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 6A, the slider protrusion140may be a cylindrical body and may extend substantially coaxially with the C-S axis139, such as to facilitate rotation of the cam lever111about the slider protrusion140. The handle protrusion137and the slider protrusion140may be disposed on and/or project from opposing surfaces of the slider113and may extend in opposite directions.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the slider113may interact or engage with the housing110. The slider113may include a slider groove142configured to engage the guide127of the outer housing part117, such as generally depicted inFIGS. 6A and 6B. The slider groove142may extend in a manner complimentary to the adjustment path160and/or may be disposed at or near a lateral edge of the slider113and may extend substantially in the Z-direction. In some embodiments of a slider113, such as those generally illustrated in FIG.FIGS. 3 and 6B, the slider groove142may be defined by a space between at least two guide protrusions143projecting from a surface of the slider113facing the outer housing part117. In other embodiments, the slider groove142may be disposed directly in the surface of the slider113facing the outer housing part117. The slider113may also include a one or more flanges for aligning the slider113within the housing110and guiding the slider113during adjustment. For example, the slider113may include a first flange144projecting from the slider113in a direction of the outer housing part117. The first flange144may be disposed at a lateral edge146of the slider113opposite the slider groove142. In some embodiments, the first flange144and at least one of the two guide protrusions143defining the slider groove142may at least partially define a handle space147in which the handle114may be disposed when connected to the slider113. When the slider113is disposed within the housing110, the first flange144may be configured to interact with the outer contour121to guide the slider113along the adjustment path160during adjustment. Additionally and/or alternatively, some exemplary embodiments of the slider113may include a second flange145extending from a lateral edge146of the slider113in the Y-direction. To ensure the slider113maintains proper positioning relative to the X-direction during adjustment, the second flange145may be configured to be disposed (e.g., sandwiched) between opposing flange support surfaces176,177of the inner housing part116and the outer housing part117facing in the X-direction such that the second flange145may be able to slide therebetween in the Z-direction.

With embodiments, the slider113may be disposed at least partially within the adjustment space119of the housing110. The slider113may be disposed such that the slider groove142engages the guide127of the outer housing part117, the first flange144interacts with the outer contour121, and/or the second flange145is disposed at least partially between opposing flange support surfaces176,177of the inner housing part116and the outer housing part117. As shown in the illustrative embodiments inFIGS. 9A-9C, the guide127of the outer housing part117may be disposed at least partially in the slider groove142, and the first flange144may abut against the outer contour121. The slider113may be adjusted along an adjustment path160from a retracted position, such as generally shown inFIG. 9A, to an extended position, such as generally shown inFIG. 9C, and from the extended position to the retracted position. In the retracted position, the slider113may rest against and/or abut a bearing portion175of the housing110. In the extended position, the slider113may be disposed at or about the handle opening120and may, in some embodiments, at least partially protrude from the handle opening120. In some embodiments, a return spring148may be connected to the pivot arm112and the housing110via spring retainers149,150, which may bias the slider113in the retracted position.

With some embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 3, 7A, and 7B, a cam lever111may be connected to a slider113at the C-S axis139. The cam lever111may have a main portion151including a slider receptacle152configured to receive and retain the slider protrusion140of the slider113. The slider receptacle152may extend through the cam lever111in the X-direction and may be coaxial with the C-S axis139. The cam lever111may include a cable guiding surface153, which may extend in a circumferential direction relative to the slider receptacle152and which may generally face away from the slider receptacle152in a direction lying in a Y-Z plane (e.g., the cable guiding surface153may be an outward facing radial surface). The cable guiding surface153may include a groove154configured to at least partially receive the cable108. The cam lever111may include a knot receptacle155that may be configured to receive and/or retain a cable knot156that may be disposed at an end of the cable108. The knot receptacle155may be disposed at or about an end of the cable guiding surface153such that, when the cable knot156of the cable108is retained in the knot receptacle155, the cable108projects from the knot receptacle155and a portion of the cable108lies on and/or extends along the cable guiding surface153. At a tangent point141, the cable108may diverge from the cable guiding surface153, extend to the cable track129, project out of the housing110via the cable track129, and/or connect to the adjustment mechanism102(see, e.g.,FIGS. 9A-9C).

In some embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, a cam lever111may include an inner cam wall157and/or an outer cam wall158lying in the Y-Z plane. The inner cam wall157and the outer cam wall158may be disposed on opposite sides of the cable guiding surface153relative to the X-direction, and may project from the cable guiding surface153in a direction away from the slider receptacle152(e.g., a radially outward direction). In some embodiments, the cable108may lie on the cable guiding surface153within a groove/channel154between the inner cam wall157and the outer cam wall158.

With embodiments, the cam lever111may be connected to the pivot arm112at a cam-arm (C-A) axis159(see, e.g.,FIGS. 3 and 9A-9C). The cam lever111may include a cam receptacle161that may be configured to receive and retain a portion of the pivot arm112. The cam receptacle161may be substantially coaxial with the C-A axis159and may be disposed in and extend at least at least partially through the inner cam wall157and/or the outer cam wall158in the X-direction. In some embodiments, as generally illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the inner cam wall157may include a first portion161A of the cam receptacle161, and the outer cam wall158may include a second portion161B of the cam receptacle161.

In embodiments, a cam lever111may include a cam protrusion162that may project from the cam lever111toward the outer housing part117(e.g., in the X-direction). The cam protrusion162may be disposed substantially coaxially with the C-A axis159and/or may extend circumferentially around the cam receptacle161, such as to form a cylindrical body.

With embodiments, a cam lever111may include a rotation stop171that may project from the cam lever111toward the outer housing part117(e.g., in the X-direction). The rotation stop171may be extend at least partially around the cam receptacle161and may be disposed radially farther from the C-A axis159than the cam protrusion162. The rotation stop171may be configured such that, if the cam protrusion162is in the arm receptacle170of the pivot arm112, a portion of the pivot arm112may be disposed radially between the cam protrusion162and the rotation stop171. The rotation stop171may be configured such that a side of the pivot arm112abuts a surface or an end of the rotation stop171, such as to prevent the pivot arm112from rotating about the C-A axis159any farther, which may prevent the slider113being adjusted any further. An end of the inner cam wall157and/or the outer cam wall158opposite the cable guiding surface153may include an extension portion163in which the cam receptacle161, the cam protrusion162, and/or the rotation stop171may be disposed. The cam receptacle161and the cam protrusion162may be disposed substantially coaxially with one another and with the C-A axis159.

In some embodiments, the cable guiding surface153may be curved and may be disposed a variable distance from the C-S axis139and/or the slider receptacle152(e.g., may include a variable radius/diameter). The cable guiding surface153may be configured and/or shaped such that (i) an input force that is lower than the threshold force may actuate the adjustment mechanism102, and/or (ii) fluctuation, deviation, and/or variation of the input force profile109is lower or less pronounced than fluctuation, deviation, and/or variation of the threshold force profile107(e.g., reduced/lesser slopes and/or magnitudes at some or all positions). In some embodiments, different sections164,165of the cable guiding surface153may have one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation, the different sections164,165may have different shapes, may be disposed a different radial distance from the C-S axis139, and/or may have a radius that increases/decreases at a different rate. In some embodiments, the configuration of the cable guiding surface153(e.g., its shape, size, radial distance from the C-S axis139, etc.) may correspond to the threshold force profile107and/or the desired input force profile109, as shown inFIG. 10. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration of the cable guiding surface153may differ depending on the threshold force of the adjustment mechanism102, the variation of threshold force along the actuation trajectory (e.g., the threshold force profile107), the desired input force, and/or the desired level of variation in the input force along the actuation trajectory (e.g., the input force profile109) or as the slider113travels along the adjustment path160.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the cable guiding surface153may have a first section164and a second section165which contact and/or be substantially adjacent one another. The first section164may be disposed a constant or variable radial distance from the C-S axis139and a rate of change of the radial distance may be variable or constant. In some embodiments, the radial distance of the first section164may decrease along a portion or an entirety of its length in a direction toward the knot receptacle155. The second section165may be disposed a constant or variable radial distance from the C-S axis139and a rate of change of the radial distance may be variable or constant. In some embodiments, the radial distance of the second section165may increase along a portion or an entirety of its length in a direction toward the knot receptacle155.

In some embodiments, the first section164and the second section165of the cable guiding surface153may connect at an inversion point166, such as generally illustrated in FIGS.7A,7B, and9A-9C. The inversion point166may additionally or alternatively be defined as the location along the cable guiding surface153(i) having the smallest radial distance from the C-S axis139, and (ii) where the radial distance from the C-S axis139changes/inverts from decreasing in the direction of the knot receptacle155to increasing in the direction of the knot receptacle155. The first section164may extend from the inversion point166to an end of the cable guiding surface153opposite the knot receptacle155. The first section164may have a variable radial distance from the C-S axis139and may decrease at a first rate in the direction toward the knot receptacle155, which may result in the radial distance between a tangent point141and the C-S axis139getting progressively smaller as the cam lever111rotates in the first actuation direction178.

In embodiments, the second section165may extend from the inversion point166to the knot receptacle155. The second section165may have a variable radial distance from the C-S axis139that may increases at a second rate in the direction toward the knot receptacle155, which may result in the radial distance between a tangent point141and the C-S axis139getting progressively larger as the cam lever111rotates in the actuation direction178. A portion164A of the first section164, such as at or about the end of the cable guiding surface153opposite the knot receptacle155, may have the largest radial distance from the C-S axis139(e.g., may be the portion of the cable guiding surface153disposed furthest from the C-S axis139). A portion165A of the second section165, such as at or about the end of the cable guiding surface153adjacent to the knot receptacle155, may be disposed a larger radial distance from the C-S axis139than the inversion point166.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 3, 8A, and 8B, the pivot arm112may include an elongated body and may have a substantially rectangular shape, may have rounded corners, and/or may have curved short sides/ends. A first arm end167of the pivot arm112may be rotatably connected to the cam lever111at or along the C-A axis159such that the pivot arm112and the cam lever111are rotatable about the C-A axis159relative to one another. The pivot arm112may include an arm receptacle170for connecting the pivot arm112to the cam lever111. The arm receptacle170may be disposed in a surface of the pivot arm112at or about the first arm end167, may be coaxial with the C-A axis159, and/or may be configured to receive the cam protrusion162of the cam lever111. The cam protrusion162and the arm receptacle170may be configured in a complimentary manner.

With embodiments, a second arm end168of the pivot arm112may be rotatably connected to the housing110at or along an arm-housing (A-H) axis172such that the pivot arm112may be rotatable about the A-H axis172relative to housing110. The second arm end168may be connected to the inner housing part116and/or the outer housing part117, such as laterally adjacent to the slider113and/or the adjustment space119relative to the Y-direction. In some embodiments, the guide127of the outer housing part117may be disposed between the A-H axis172and the slider113and/or the adjustment space119. The pivot arm112may include one or more arm spacers173,174the may be configured for facilitating connection of the pivot arm112with the housing110. The arm spacers173,174may support the pivot arm112within the housing110and/or maintain the pivot arm112in position (e.g., relative to the X-direction). The arm spacers173,174may be disposed on and/or project from a surface of the pivot arm112at or about the second arm end168, may be coaxial with the A-H axis172, and/or may be configured to be connected to at least one of the inner housing part116and the outer housing part117. As generally shown inFIGS. 3, 8A, and 8B, some embodiments may include a first arm spacer173and a second arm spacer174. The first arm spacer173and the second arm spacer174may be disposed at the second arm end168, may project from opposing surfaces of the pivot arm112in opposite directions, may be disposed coaxially with one another and with the A-H axis172, and/or may each be configured to be connected to the inner housing part116and the outer housing part117, respectively.

In some embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS. 9A-9C, the pivot arm112may be disposed within the housing110such that the first arm end167is disposed farther from the bearing portion175than the second arm end168relative to the Z-direction. In other words, the C-A axis159may be disposed farther from the bearing portion175than the A-H axis172relative to the Z-direction. The first arm end167may be disposed a smaller, equal, and/or larger distance from the slider113in the Y-direction than the second arm end168(e.g., the first arm end167may be disposed offset from the second arm end168relative to the Y-direction in a direction toward or away from the slider113). The positional relationship of the first arm end167and the second arm end168relative to the Y-direction may vary along the adjustment path160of the slider113. In some embodiments, the first arm end167may be disposed closer to the slider113relative to the Y-direction when the slider113is in a retracted position (see, e.g.,FIG. 9A) and/or in an extended position (see, e.g.,FIG. 9C). The first arm end167may be farther than the second arm end168from the slider113relative to the Y-direction when the slider113is disposed in a position between the retracted position and the extended position, such as at an intermediate or midpoint position generally illustrated inFIG. 9B. The first arm end167and the second arm end168may be disposed at substantially the same distance from the slider113relative to the Y-direction when the slider113is disposed in a position between the retracted position and the extended position (e.g., between the positions shown inFIGS. 9A and 9Band/or between the positions shown inFIGS. 9B and 9C).

In some embodiments, an adjustment mechanism102may be actuated when an input force is exerted on the seat adjuster103. The input force may be provided, in some embodiments, when a user pulls the handle114in the pulling direction181with a sufficiently great input force. Applying the input force to the seat adjuster103may adjust the slider113along the adjustment path160from the retracted position toward the extended position.

In some embodiments, the slider113may be in a retracted position at rest/equilibrium (e.g., when the handle114is not actuated), such as generally illustrated inFIG. 9A. In the retracted position, the slider113may rest against and/or abut a bearing portion175of the housing110. When the slider113is in the retracted position, the C-S axis139may be disposed at a level between the tangent point141and the C-A axis159relative to the Z-direction. In some embodiments, a threshold force associated with the adjustment mechanism102may be greatest when the slider113is in the retracted position. To offset the elevated threshold force when in the retracted position, the seat adjuster103may be configured such that the distance between the tangent point141and the C-A axis159is greatest than at any other point along the adjustment path160of the slider113and/or such the distance between the tangent point141and the C-S axis139may be larger than at any other point along the adjustment path160of the slider113. As such, the seat adjuster103may provide the greatest level of transformation and/or amplification to the input force when beginning the adjustment of the slider113from the retracted position.

With embodiments, adjusting the slider113from the retracted position toward the extended position may include lifting the slider113off of the bearing portion175and sliding the slider113within the adjustment space119toward the handle opening120. Adjusting the slider113along the adjustment path160may include guiding the slider113along the guide127via the slider groove142. Adjusting the slider113along the adjustment path160in the pulling direction181may also shift the position of the tangent point141along the cable guiding surface153toward the knot receptacle155, which may alter the amplification/transformation provided by the seat adjuster103.

In some embodiments, a first portion182of the adjustment path160may be defined between the location of the C-S axis139when the slider113is in the retracted position, as generally illustrated inFIG. 9A, and a midpoint position, where the C-S axis139and the C-A axis159are aligned in the Y-direction as generally illustrated inFIG. 9B. In the first portion182of the adjustment path160, adjusting the slider113in the pulling direction181may cause the C-S axis139to move in the direction of the pulling direction181, which may cause the cam lever111to rotate about the C-S axis139in the first actuation direction178, which may cause the cam protrusion162of the cam lever111to interact with the arm receptacle170, which may shift the C-A axis159farther from the slider113relative to the Y-direction, which may cause the pivot arm112to rotate about the A-H axis172in a second actuation direction179. Adjusting the slider113along the first portion182of the adjustment path160in the pulling direction181may, additionally or alternatively, (i) decrease the radial distance between the tangent point141and the C-S axis139, (ii) decrease the distance between the tangent point141and the C-S axis139, (iii) increase the distance between the tangent point141and the C-A axis159, and (iv) increase the distance between the C-S axis139and the C-A axis159(e.g., in the Y-direction). This in turn, may reduce the level of transformation and/or amplification of the input force provided by the seat adjuster103. The size or degree of the change in the aforementioned distances may correspond to the deviations or variations in the threshold force profile107of the adjustment mechanism102. For example, as generally illustrated in inFIG. 10, the threshold force of an exemplary adjustment mechanism102may decrease from approximately 150 N at about 0.5 mm of the actuation trajectory to approximately 54 N at about 3.7 mm of the actuation trajectory. As such, the level of amplification of the input force provided by the seat adjuster103may be reduced in this region. Additionally and/or alternatively, the level of amplification may be reduced such that the rate of change in the input force is lower than the rate of change in the threshold force, which in turn may reduce the variation and/or deviation in the input force profile109compared to the threshold force profile107. For example, as generally illustrated inFIG. 10, an input force of approximately 51 N at about 0.5 mm of the actuation trajectory (or at about 1.1 mm of the adjustment path160of the slider113) and approximately 27 N at about 3.7 mm of the actuation trajectory (or at about 10 mm of the adjustment path160of the slider113) may be sufficient to actuate the adjustment mechanism102, despite the input force being lower than the threshold force. For example, the threshold force may decrease from 150 N to 54 N (variation of about 64%) between 0.5 mm and 3.7 mm of the trajectory path while the input force may decrease from 51 N to 27 N (variation of about 47%).

With some embodiments, a second portion183of the adjustment path160may be defined between the position of the C-S axis139when the slider113is in a midpoint position generally illustrated inFIG. 9Band the position of the C-S axis139when the slider113is in an extended position as generally illustrated inFIG. 9C. In the second portion183of the adjustment path160, adjusting the slider113in the pulling direction181may cause the C-S axis139to move in the pulling direction181, which may cause the cam lever111to rotate about the C-S axis139in the first actuation direction178, which may cause the cam protrusion162of the cam lever111to interact with the arm receptacle170, which may shift the C-A axis159toward the slider113relative to the Y-direction, which may cause the pivot arm112to rotate about the A-H axis172in a third actuation direction180(e.g., opposite to the second actuation direction179). Adjusting the slider113in the pulling direction181in the second portion183of the adjustment path160may, additionally or alternatively, (i) shift the position of the tangent point141along the cable guiding surface153toward the knot receptacle155, (ii) increase the radial distance between the tangent point141and the C-S axis139, (iii) increase the distance between the tangent point141and the C-S axis139, (iv) decrease the distance between the tangent point141and the C-A axis159(e.g., relative to the Y-direction), and/or (v) decrease the distance between the C-S axis139and the C-A axis159(e.g., relative to the Y-direction). One or more of these changes may increase the level of transformation and/or amplification of the input force provided by the seat adjuster103. The size or degree of the change in the aforementioned distances may correspond to the deviations or variations in the threshold force profile107of the adjustment mechanism102. For example, as generally illustrated in inFIG. 10, the threshold force of the exemplary adjustment mechanism102may increase from approximately 64 N at about 11.5 mm of the actuation trajectory to approximately 108 N at about 28 mm of the actuation trajectory. The level of amplification of the input force provided by the seat adjuster103may also be increased in this region. Additionally and/or alternatively, the level of amplification may be increased such that the rate of change in the input force is lower than the rate of change in the threshold force, which may reduce the variation and/or deviation in the input force profile109compared to the threshold force profile107. As seen in the example ofFIG. 10, an input force of approximately 42 N at about 11.5 mm of the actuation trajectory (or at about 22 mm of the adjustment path160of the slider113) and approximately 37 N at about 28 mm of the actuation trajectory (or at about 50 mm of the adjustment path160of the slider113) may be sufficient to actuate the adjustment mechanism102, despite the input force being lower than the threshold force. Thus, the threshold force may increase from about 64 N to about 108 N (increase of about 69%) between about 11.5 mm and about 28 mm of the trajectory path while the input force may decrease from about 42 N to about 37 N (decrease of about 12%).

With embodiments, the slider113may be disposed at or near the handle opening120when in the extended position (see, e.g.,FIG. 9C). In the extended position, the tangent point141may be at a level above of the C-S axis139relative to the Z-direction (e.g., disposed closer to the handle opening120) and/or may be disposed at or about the knot receptacle155. Additionally and/or alternatively, the tangent point141may be defined by knot receptacle155and/or the cable108may not contact the cable guiding surface153. When in the extended position, the C-A axis159may be disposed (e.g., directly) between the A-H axis172and the C-S axis139such that a straight line extending between the A-H axis172and the C-S axis139intersects the C-A axis159. In the extended position of the slider113, the adjustment mechanism102may be fully actuated by the seat adjuster103.

In embodiments, the slider113may biased toward the retracted position by the return spring148. In such embodiments, when the input force is no longer applied to the seat adjuster103when the slider113is out of the retracted position (e.g., the handle114is released by the user) the return spring148and/or a force from the adjustment mechanism102may return or adjust the slider113to the retracted position. When being adjusted toward the retracted position along the adjustment path160, the slider113, the cam lever111, and the pivot arm112may move and interact with one another in the opposite direction as when the slider113is adjusted in the pulling direction181from the retracted position toward extended position.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.