Retractable Child Seat Anchor for Full-Flat Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child anchor systems in vehicles protrude upward even when the rear seats are changed into a full flat state, causing discomfort and potential injury to passengers resting in the seat.
Innovation Solution
A child anchor apparatus with a height adjustment module that allows the child anchor to be moved down and hidden within the seat when the rear seat is in a full flat state, using a fixed bracket, an anchor bracket, and a height adjustment module that includes a height adjustment pin, an operating cam, and springs to adjust the anchor's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the child anchor is fixed in a standard position, then the child seat installation is secure and reliable, but the anchor protrudes upward and causes discomfort or injury to passengers when the seat is in a full flat state
Solution Approach 1:
The child anchor is designed with dynamic height adjustment capability through a height adjustment module that includes a height adjustment pin, operating cam, and springs. The anchor bracket can move vertically between a first height (protruding position for child seat installation) and a second height (retracted position for passenger comfort), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational mode
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position parameter of the child anchor is made variable through the height adjustment mechanism. The anchor's height relative to the seat cushion can be changed between two discrete positions, transforming it from a static component to a variable one that can optimize performance for different usage scenarios
2Ease of operation
If the child anchor protrudes upward for easy access and installation, then the installation process is convenient, but it creates safety hazards when passengers lie on the flat seat
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the anchor's vertical position based on the seat configuration. When the seatback is in an upright position, the anchor protrudes upward for easy access and installation. When the seatback is reclined to a full flat state, the anchor automatically or manually retracts downward to eliminate safety hazards
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a height adjustment mechanism is added to move the anchor down, then passenger comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The user can directly manipulate the height adjustment pin or associated components to move the anchor bracket between positions, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding additional complexity from motors, sensors, or control electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The operating cam acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates user input into vertical movement of the anchor bracket. The cam mechanism, working in conjunction with the height adjustment pin and springs, provides a simple mechanical means to achieve height adjustment without requiring complex actuation systems
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
Prevents contact between the child anchor and passengers resting in the rear seat in a full flat state, enhancing passenger comfort and safety by ensuring the child anchor is out of the way when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
an upper spring installed to be supported at both ends by the main housing and the height adjust pin, respectively, and a lower spring installed to support the operating cam
Data Source
AI summary
A child anchor for a vehicle can be moved down and hidden in a seat by a user operating the apparatus with the seat changed into a full flat state, whereby it is possible to prevent contact between the child anchor and a passenger who takes a rest in the seat in the full flat state. Accordingly, there is an advantage that it is possible to improve convenience for a passenger who takes a rest.