Cable Apparatus Link Lever Simplifies Vehicle Seat Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cable apparatus for vehicle seat reclining systems has a complex structure that complicates manufacturing and assembly, making it difficult to reduce costs and simplify the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A cable apparatus with a simplified configuration, featuring a case housed in a handle housing, a cable with ends connected to an actuator, and a link lever pivotally supported within the case, which transmits movement from an operation lever to the actuator, eliminating the need for complex coupling cases and pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable apparatus uses multiple coupling cases and coupling pieces to transmit movement, then the movement transmission reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling cases and coupling pieces into a single integrated case structure. The first and second coupling cases are merged into one case, and the first and second coupling pieces are integrated into a single coupling piece that connects the operation lever, link lever, and cable end, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining movement transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single coupling piece serves multiple functions: it connects the operation lever to the link lever, connects the link lever to the cable end, and provides a housing for the cable. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate coupling cases and pieces, simplifying the overall structure
2Reliability
If the cable apparatus uses multiple coupling cases and coupling pieces, then the movement transmission is more reliable, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple coupling cases and pieces into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality control checkpoints, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable movement transmission
3Reliability
If the cable apparatus uses multiple coupling cases and coupling pieces, then the movement transmission is more reliable, but the assembly work becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple coupling cases and pieces into a single component reduces the number of assembly steps from multiple separate connections to a single assembly operation, significantly improving assembly ease while maintaining the reliability of movement transmission through the lever and cable mechanism
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 configuration reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies assembly by allowing for easier attachment and operation of the seat reclining apparatus, while also facilitating maintenance and repairs.
Implementation Method 1
a link lever supported by the case so as to be pivotable about a second axis. The link lever is connected to the first end of the cable in the case, and is displaceable by pivoting (pivotally moving) the operation lever
Data Source
AI summary
A cable apparatus is disposed between a handle and an actuator to transmit movement of the handle to the actuator. The handle includes a handle housing defining a housing chamber and an operation lever supported by the handle housing so as to be pivotable about a first axis. The cable apparatus includes a case housed in the housing chamber, a cable having a first end disposed in the case and a second end connected to the actuator, and a link lever supported by the case so as to be pivotable about a second axis. The link lever is connected to the first end of the cable in the case, and is displaceable by pivoting the operation lever.