Child Car Seat Latch Mechanism With Multi-Pin Lock Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current child car seats require complex and non-intuitive belt paths for installation, leading to improper mounting and reduced safety, especially when converting between rear-facing and forward-facing orientations, and lack a secure latching mechanism that prevents operation by children.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism using a single latch lever to actuate multiple locking pins, with proximity sensors and a latch indicator system to ensure proper positioning and secure engagement of the car seat to a separable base member, preventing operation by children and providing a positive feedback on proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex belt path is used for mounting the car seat, then the car seat can be secured to the vehicle seat, but the likelihood of improper installation increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical belt path system with an automated latch mechanism. The latch mechanism uses a latch lever that automatically engages with locking pins when the car seat is placed on the base member, eliminating the need for caregivers to manually route vehicle seat belts through complex paths. This substitution of mechanical systems resolves the contradiction by providing reliable securement through automation while dramatically simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the use of spring-loaded locking pins that automatically engage with the base member when the car seat is positioned on it. The latch lever automatically triggers this engagement without requiring manual manipulation of belts or complex routing. This self-service mechanism ensures proper installation while making the process as easy as placing the seat on the base.
2Ease of operation
If a separable base member with latch mechanism is used, then the car seat can be easily installed and removed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the car seat system into separable components: a car seat portion and a base member, connected through a latch mechanism. This segmentation allows the base member to remain stationary in the vehicle while the car seat portion can be easily installed or removed by simply engaging or disengaging the latch mechanism. The separation resolves the contradiction by enabling easy operation through modularity while containing the complex latch mechanism within the base member only.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member with the latch mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides a stationary mounting point in the vehicle, houses the complex latch and locking pin mechanisms, and interfaces with both the car seat portion and the vehicle seat. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating the complex mechanisms into a single universal base unit that simplifies the overall installation and removal process.
3Ease of operation
If the latch mechanism is accessible to children, then the child can operate the seat, but the safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the latch lever in a different spatial dimension relative to the child seating area. The latch lever is located on the base member or upper rear portion of the car seat portion, positioned above and behind where a child would sit. This dimensional relocation makes the latch mechanism inaccessible to children while maintaining full accessibility for adult caregivers standing behind the seat, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed with preliminary protective features: the latch lever is positioned out of child's reach, and the locking pins are recessed into the base member when engaged. These preliminary anti-actions prevent children from accidentally operating the mechanism while allowing adults to easily access and operate it when needed for installation or removal.
4Reliability
If multiple locking pins are used to secure the car seat, then the reliability of mounting increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated latch mechanism. Two locking pins are used to secure the car seat to the base member, but both pins are controlled by a single latch lever through a common actuation mechanism. This merging of multiple locking actions into one control element resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced mounting security through multiple pins while maintaining simple operation through a single lever.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the base member when the latch lever is actuated. This preliminary positioning and spring-loading eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each pin, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable multi-point securement. The pins are already in position to lock, requiring only the single action of the latch lever to engage both simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A latching mechanism for a car seat that is mountable on a separable base member provides a positive locking of the car seat to the base member. The latch mechanism has a member that is positioned in the seat portion of the car seat to pivot upwardly when the latch mechanism is disengaged. The seating of a child on the seat portion requires the latch mechanism to be retracted into the seat portion, which corresponds to the locking of the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes four helical spools rotated by the pivotal movement of the latch lever to cause linear movement of the locking pins into engagement with the base member. A latch indicator has a pre-latch sensor that indicates proper positioning of the seat member and a latch sensor that indicates an engagement of the locking pins. An indicator light illuminates when the seat member is properly latched.