Button assembly for seat position control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button assemblies for reclining seats are difficult to install in space-constrained environments, as they require being held from the underside during mounting, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
The button assembly features flexible retaining members that compress and expand to securely snap into the seat panel from the outside, eliminating the need to hold the assembly during installation, using cantilevered or reflexed portions to inhibit removal and provide a frictional force for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional button assembly mounting method is used, then the button assembly can be securely mounted, but the installation process becomes complex and difficult in space-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mounting approach by enabling installation from the outside of the panel rather than requiring access to the underside. The button housing is designed with an outer surface that engages with the panel exterior, allowing the installer to mount the assembly without needing to reach behind or underneath the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible retaining members are designed to automatically engage with the panel opening when the button housing is inserted from the outside. The flexible fingers or reflexed portions self-compress and self-lock into place without requiring manual holding or additional fastening operations, making the installation process self-service and eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation.
2Reliability
If button assembly is designed for secure mounting, then reliability of mounting is improved, but installation difficulty increases in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the flexible retaining members, specifically their flexibility and elastic properties. The flexible fingers or reflexed portions can compress to a smaller dimension during insertion and then expand to their normal dimension to engage securely with the panel opening, providing both ease of installation and mounting reliability through this dynamic parameter change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible retaining members that function as thin, flexible elements capable of deformation. These flexible fingers or reflexed portions can bend and compress during installation and then spring back to provide secure engagement, combining the ease of flexible insertion with the reliability of firm mounting without requiring complex mechanisms.
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
This solution simplifies and expedites the installation of button assemblies in limited spaces without additional materials or costs, enhancing manufacturing ease and reliability by allowing snap-in mounting from the outside of the panel.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more flexible retaining members are configured to compress when advanced through the opening in the seat panel and expand therein positioned opposite an inner surface thereof when the assembly is seated
Implementation Method 2
The flexible finger may be configured to expand into the seat panel with ends of the flexible finger positioned opposite the inner surface of the seat panel. A mechanical force of the ends of the flexible finger against the inner surface of the seat panel may inhibit removal of the button assembly from the seat panel.
Implementation Method 3
the one or more flexible retaining members include at least one flexible reflexed portion, the flexible reflexed portion bowing outward from the button assembly. The flexible reflexed portion may be configured to compress through the opening in the seat panel and expand into the seat panel... A frictional force of the middle portion of the flexible reflexed portion against the edge of opening in the seat panel may inhibit removal of the button assembly from the seat panel.
Data Source
AI summary
Button assemblies for controlling a seat position and for mounting on a seat panel are provided. The button assemblies may have a button housing having a portion that is configured to position over edges of an opening in the seat panel. One or more flexible retaining members integral to or attached to the button housing are configured to compress through the opening in the seat panel and expand therein positioned opposite an inner surface thereof upon insertion, securing the assembly within the opening.