Car Seat Locking Mechanism with Integrated Hook and Plectrum Follower
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional car seat and base locking mechanisms are often complex and weak, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies and potential malfunctions during use.
Innovation Solution
A simplified locking mechanism is introduced, featuring a hooking element that can be rotated to a locked or release position using a plectrum follower, with a release actuator on the car seat and a resilient element to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanism uses many tiny parts, then the structure can achieve locking function, but the structure becomes weak and manufacturing/assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tiny parts into a single integrated locking mechanism component. The locking mechanism is designed as one unified structure that performs all locking functions, eliminating the need for numerous separate small parts. This merging approach strengthens the overall structure while reducing part count and simplifying manufacturing.
2Reliability
If locking mechanism uses many tiny parts, then the locking function is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single locking mechanism component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while maintaining or improving the strength and reliability of the locking function.
3Ease of operation
If locking mechanism is complex and weak, then it can be assembled, but malfunction occurs and lock/unlock operation fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified locking mechanism structure that eliminates the weaknesses associated with multiple tiny parts. The integrated design ensures stable and reliable lock/unlock operations by reducing the number of potential failure points while maintaining ease of operation through the coordinated movement of the single structured component.
Data Source
AI summary
A car seat and base with a locking mechanism are disclosed, in which the locking mechanism is mounted on the base, and a release mechanism is mounted on the car seat. The locking mechanism comprises a hooking element can be rotated to a locked position for retaining the car seat to the base, and to a release position to release the car seat from the base. The release mechanism comprises a release actuator and a plectrum follower. The release actuator is operatively mounted on the car seat, and the plectrum follower is associated with the release actuator for rotating the hooking element from the locked position to the release position, so as to permitting a user to release the car seat from the base by operating of the release actuator.