Vehicle Backrest Pivot Bearing Bush Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting vehicle rear seat backrest structures that can be folded over are complex and require additional tools, complicating the process and potentially increasing worker safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cylindrical bearing pin with a bearing bush that is introduced into a recess of a vehicle body-side backrest bearing, allowing the backrest to be pivoted and locked without additional tools, using a blocking section to secure the bush in place, which can be manufactured from plastic for ease of use and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-prestressed pivot lever with double-walled receptacle and guide slots is used, then the bearing pin is held without play and without rattling, but the pivot bearing becomes comparatively complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing is divided into separate functional components: a simple receptacle for positioning, a separate locking mechanism with locking element and blocking section, and the bearing pin itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring a complex integrated structure like the double-walled receptacle with guide slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates automatically through the interaction between the blocking section on the pivot lever and the locking element in the receptacle. When the pivot lever is inserted, the blocking section automatically engages with the locking element, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional springs, prestressing elements, or complex guide slots.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional tools are required for mounting the backrest structure, then precise positioning and locking can be achieved, but the mounting process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is designed to be self-performing: the pivot lever with blocking section automatically locks into the receptacle with locking element when inserted. The backrest structure pivots out automatically to engage the locking mechanism, and the bearing bush prevents removal automatically. No additional tools are required, yet precise positioning and secure locking are achieved through the geometric constraints of the locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements and blocking sections are pre-configured in specific positions and orientations before assembly. The receptacle contains the locking element in a predetermined position, and the pivot lever has the blocking section shaped to automatically engage with it during the pivoting out motion, ensuring precise mounting without requiring tool-assisted alignment.
3Reliability
If manual manipulation in tight spaces is required for securing the bearing pin, then secure locking can be achieved, but worker safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is completely automatic and requires no manual manipulation. The bearing bush with blocking section self-secures by rotating about the bearing pin, automatically engaging with the locking element. This eliminates the need for workers to reach into tight spaces between the backrest structure and vehicle body to manually secure components, thereby removing the safety hazard while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing bush acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically performs the locking function. Instead of requiring direct manual manipulation of the bearing pin in tight spaces, the bearing bush with its blocking section serves as a mediator that self-secures through rotation, providing a safe automated solution that eliminates harmful manual operations while ensuring reliable locking.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different bearing bushes are used for symmetrical configuration, then individual optimization can be achieved, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention embraces symmetry by using identical bearing bushes on both sides of the backrest structure. The blocking sections are configured symmetrically with identical geometry and orientation relative to their respective bearing pins. This symmetric design allows for mass production of identical components, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while still providing optimal performance for each side through the standardized design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for mounting a backrest structure (1) of a vehicle rear seat. The method includes the following steps: arranging a bearing bush (15) on a cylindrical bearing pin (11) provided in a lower lateral corner segment of a backrest structure (1), inserting the bearing bush (15) into a cut-out (17) of a body-side backrest bearing (2a, 2b), pivoting the backrest structure (1) inserted into the backrest bearing (2a, 2b) forward about a bearing axis (12) of the bearing pin (11) until a blocking segment (22b, 122b) of the bearing bush (15) locks in and/or engages behind a blocking element (22a, 122a) of the backrest bearing (2a, 2b). A pivot support of a fold-over backrest structure (1) of a vehicle rear seat is also provided.