Vehicle Seat Clutch Unit Lock Member Elastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch units for vehicle seats require a large number of parts to achieve a lock function, including a spring member for releasing the locked state, which increases complexity and potential for mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
A clutch unit design that incorporates a lock member capable of being elastically deformed to release engagement, reducing the number of parts required by using a lock member that can shift between locked and unlocked states without the need for additional biasing springs, thereby simplifying the mechanism and reducing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring member is added to release the locked state of the gear member, then the lock function can be released, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is designed to automatically return to the locked position using its own elastic deformation capability. When the operation lever rotates, the lock member is pushed to the unlocked state, and when the operation lever returns, the lock member's elasticity automatically restores it to the locked state without requiring an external spring member.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasing function that would normally require a separate spring member is merged into the lock member itself. The lock member integrates both the locking function and the releasing function through its elastic deformation capability, eliminating the need for a separate spring member.
2Reliability
If a gear member and spring member are used to suppress lifter lowering, then the lock function is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is extracted from the system and its function is transferred to the elastic deformation capability of the lock member. This simplifies the mechanism by removing an unnecessary component while maintaining the same functional outcome of suppressing lifter lowering.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the lock member changes from a rigid component to an elastically deformable component. This parameter change allows the lock member to store and release energy through elastic deformation, replacing the need for a separate spring member.
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
The design achieves a lock function with fewer parts, enhancing reliability and reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures while maintaining effective operation, including suppression of unwanted rotation due to vibration.
Implementation Method 1
when the lock member is shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state, the lock member is elastically deformed to release the engagement of the lock member and the first engaging portion
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch unit that is used for a vehicle seat includes: a housing, which accommodates at least one of a input-side clutch and a output-side clutch, a first engaging portion, which is rotatable integrally with an output shaft member, and a lock member, which is able to be shifted between a locked state, in which the rotation of the output shaft member relative to the housing is suppressed by the lock member being locked to the first engaging portion, and an unlocked state, in which the rotation of the output shaft member relative to the housing is allowed by releasing the engaging with the first engaging portion, wherein when the lock member is shifted from the locked state to the unlocked state, the lock member is elastically deformed to release the engagement of the lock member and the first engaging portion.