Cable-Operated Seat Mount Locks for Reachable Swivel Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat swivel mechanisms in boats with short mounting posts face challenges in operating lever length, making it difficult for occupants to reach and operate the locking mechanism, which can lead to safety issues due to the lever needing to be shorter and more inwardly positioned, potentially preventing proper unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A cable-operated seat rotation mechanism that allows the operating lever to be located in various positions using a flexible coupling, with a spring-biased locking pin that automatically returns to the locked position, ensuring safety and accommodating different vehicle seat designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a longer lever is used to operate the seat swivel mechanism, then it is easier for the occupant to reach and operate, but it requires more vertical space which is not available when mounting posts are short
Solution Approach 1:
A cable assembly acts as an intermediary between the operating lever and the locking mechanism. The cable transmits the operating force from the lever to the locking pin, enabling the lever to be positioned away from the mounting post while still effectively operating the locking mechanism. This mediator allows the lever to be located in an optimal position for occupant access without being constrained by the short mounting post height.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is positioned near the edge of the seat bottom for easy access, then ease of operation improves, but with short mounting posts the lever must be made shorter and disposed inward making it harder to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The operating mechanism is segmented into separate components: the operating lever, the cable assembly, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the lever to be independently positioned at the optimal location for occupant access (near the seat edge) while the locking mechanism remains attached to the mounting post. The cable assembly connects these separated components, enabling independent optimization of each component's position.
3Device complexity
If a direct mechanical coupling is used between the lever and locking mechanism, then the structure is simpler and more reliable, but the lever position is fixed and cannot be optimized for accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly serves as a flexible intermediary that transmits force between the lever and locking mechanism without requiring direct mechanical coupling. This allows the lever to be positioned away from the mounting post at an optimal location for occupant reachability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The cable provides the necessary force transmission without the complexity of rigid mechanical linkages.
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
Enables easy operation of the seat rotation mechanism from various locations, ensuring the seat is securely locked or unlocked, enhancing occupant safety by allowing the lever to be positioned optimally regardless of mounting post height, and providing redundancy with multiple springs for added safety.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased locking pin that automatically returns to the locked position
Implementation Method 2
cable operated seat mount locks
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for operation of a vehicle seat swivel or rotation mechanism are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a cable assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable assembly is configured to be operatively coupled to a rotation mechanism of a vehicle seat. A release member is operatively coupled to the second end of the cable assembly so that the rotation mechanism is urged toward a locked condition in the absence of a force being applied to the release member by a person.