Articulating Locking Mechanism for Vehicle Seatback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seatback coupling systems in vehicles are time-consuming to install and generate vibration noise during vehicle operation due to their nut and bolt configuration.
Innovation Solution
An articulating locking mechanism with a support bracket featuring a receiving slot and a spring member with a ramp portion that retains a pivot bushing, allowing for quick set-in-place coupling and noise dampening through a flexibly resilient bumper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nut and bolt configuration is used for seatback coupling, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation process takes a considerable amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: a pivot member with pivot bushing for articulation, a support bracket with receiving slot for positioning, and a spring member with ramp portion for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall installation process compared to traditional nut and bolt configurations.
2Reliability
If a nut and bolt configuration is used for seatback coupling, then the connection is secure, but it generates vibration noise during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member acts as an intermediary element between the pivot member and support bracket. It provides a compliant connection that absorbs vibrations and reduces noise while maintaining the secure articulating connection. The spring member's elastic properties allow it to dampen vibrations generated during vehicle operation, eliminating the noise problem associated with rigid nut and bolt connections.
3Loss of time
If a quick set-in-place coupling is used, then installation time is reduced, but the locking mechanism may lack secure retention
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member provides a dynamic locking mechanism that automatically adjusts to maintain secure retention. As the pivot member is inserted into the support bracket, the spring member deflects and then locks into place, providing positive retention. The dynamic nature of the spring allows it to compensate for tolerances and maintain reliable locking without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.
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 mechanism enables efficient and quiet installation of seatbacks by quickly securing the pivot member with reduced vibration noise, facilitating easy articulation between upright and folded positions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member is coupled to the support bracket and includes a deflectable ramp portion disposed adjacent to the receiving slot
Implementation Method 2
a noise dampening bumper
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating locking mechanism includes a support bracket with an upwardly opening receiving slot having an open top portion and closed bottom portion. A spring member is coupled to the support bracket at a mounting portion and includes a ramp portion disposed adjacent to the receiving slot. A pivot member includes a pivot bushing and a rotating mounting shaft extending outwardly from the pivot bushing. The pivot bushing is received in the receiving slot of the support bracket, and is retained by the ramp portion of the spring member when the pivot bushing is fully seated in the receiving slot of the support bracket.