Vehicle Seat Backrest Locking Device Ejection Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for vehicle seat backrests lack an efficient mechanism to transfer the backrest into an ejection position without requiring significant energy, and they often necessitate additional complex drive elements for folding and locking functions.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with an ejector lever that displaces the counter-element relative to the rotary latch lock when actuated by a control handle, allowing energy introduction via the handle, and incorporating a spring bias and lever mechanism to facilitate unlocking and prevent re-locking, enabling modular expansion of the rotary latch lock with an ejection function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking device for vehicle seat backrests is designed without an ejection function, then the structure remains simple, but the backrest cannot be easily transferred into an ejection position without additional complex drive elements
Solution Approach 1:
The operating handle is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the unlocking mechanism and the ejection mechanism. When rotated, it first unlocks the rotary latch lock and simultaneously activates the ejection lever through the connecting element to displace the counter-element, enabling the backrest to be transferred into the ejection position without requiring separate drive elements
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking function and ejection function are merged into a single operational sequence. The operating handle connects to both the rotary latch lock and the ejection lever via the connecting element, so that one rotational motion accomplishes both unlocking and ejecting the counter-element, eliminating the need for additional complex drive mechanisms
2Force
If a powerful energy store is used to eject the counter-element, then the ejection function is strong, but the locking device requires more energy and complex energy storage components
Solution Approach 1:
The user's manual operation of the operating handle provides the energy needed for ejection. The connecting element translates the rotational motion of the handle into linear displacement of the ejection lever, which moves the counter-element. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for powerful energy stores, springs, or motors, as the user's input force directly performs the ejection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical energy storage systems (such as powerful springs or motors) with a direct mechanical transmission system. The connecting element acts as a simple mechanical linkage that converts the operating handle's rotation into ejection lever displacement, achieving the ejection function through straightforward mechanical advantage rather than stored energy
3Ease of operation
If the pawl can be easily rotated into unlocked position, then unlocking is simple, but the locking device may accidentally re-lock
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection lever is activated in advance during the unlocking process. When the operating handle is rotated to unlock the rotary latch lock, the connecting element simultaneously displaces the ejection lever to move the counter-element out of the pawl's receptacle. This preliminary ejection action ensures that the counter-element cannot re-engage with the pawl, preventing accidental re-locking while maintaining simple unlocking operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection function performs a preliminary anti-action by displacing the counter-element away from the pawl's locking position before the unlocking is complete. This prevents the counter-element from accidentally re-engaging with the receptacle after unlocking, as the ejection lever maintains the counter-element in a displaced position, thereby preventing harmful accidental re-locking
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 allows for comfortable unlocking and folding of the backrest without additional complex drive elements, preventing re-locking after the handle is actuated, thus enhancing user convenience and simplifying the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The latch is biased in an opening direction by a biased spring arrangement. The spring arrangement supports a rotary movement of the pawl as soon as the at least one securing means releases the rotary movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (100), especially for locking a backrest (4) of a vehicle seat (1) to a vehicle structure (6), comprising a rotary latch-type lock (20) for locking a mating element (8), the locking device (100) further comprising an ejection lever (133) which, in an unlocked state of the rotary latch-type lock (20), moves the mating element (8) relative to the rotary latch-type lock (20) by actuating an operating handle (121).