Vehicle Backrest Lock with Segmented Pawl Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual and automatic locking and inclination adjustment systems for motor vehicle seats are complex and expensive, requiring two drives for multi-part backrests, which is not cost-effective, and lack secure and convenient manual solutions that meet safety and manufacturing efficiency criteria.
Innovation Solution
A locking and inclination adjustment arrangement featuring a lock shackle on the body with rotary latches and pawls, allowing secure locking and adjustment of the backrest relative to the body, using separate actuating mechanisms for locking and unlocking, and a spring-assisted folding mechanism for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual locking and inclination adjustment devices are used, then device complexity is reduced and cost is decreased, but ease of operation and user comfort are worsened compared to automatic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: locking pawls for securing the backrest, inclination adjustment mechanism for angle control, and folding mechanism for backrest collapse. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including spring-loaded pawls that automatically engage and disengage, and a folding mechanism that allows the backrest to collapse forward under controlled motion. These dynamic features improve ease of operation while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic inclination adjustment devices with drives are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and inclination adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through spring-loaded pawls that automatically engage with locking surfaces and spring-assisted folding action. This eliminates the need for external drives or actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If locking devices with lateral arrangement are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability and security of locking are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function and inclination adjustment function are merged into a single integrated mechanism with pawls that perform both locking and angle adjustment. This consolidation maintains lateral arrangement for ease of manufacture while improving reliability through unified, coordinated action of the locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking surfaces and pawl engagement points are designed with curved or rounded geometries that facilitate reliable engagement and disengagement while maintaining lateral placement. The curved surfaces ensure proper alignment and secure locking without requiring complex lateral mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drives are used for multi-part backrests, then adaptability and separate adjustment of backrest parts are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and inclination adjustment mechanism is designed as a universal system that can be applied to single-part or multi-part backrests. The same pawl-based mechanism handles both locking and inclination adjustment for each backrest section, providing adaptability without requiring separate drives for each part.
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 provides a secure, cost-effective, and user-friendly manual locking and adjustment system that meets safety and manufacturing efficiency requirements, allowing for adjustable inclinations without compromising security, and can be easily integrated into existing backrest designs without modifying the body.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, in particular a torsion spring, which acts on the first part of the backrest and causes the first part of the backrest to be folded automatically when the backrest lock is unlocked
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking and inclination-adjusting arrangement for locking and adjusting the inclination of a component, in particular a pivotable backrest (R, R1, R2) of a vehicle, comprising a lock shackle (30) on the vehicle body and a lock (S) on the component, said lock being connected to the lock shackle (30) in a locking position (I, II) and it being possible for said lock to be released from the lock shackle (30) in an unlocking position (III). Provision is made for the lock (S) on the component to have catches (10, 20) with pawls (15, 25) which are associated with said catches and in which the component can be adjusted to various inclinations and locked in various latching positions (I, II), which can be released again, on the lock shackle (30) which engages in the lock (S) and can be moved to the unlocking position (III) separately from the lock shackle (30).