Vehicle Door Seat Stopper Cargo Deck Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Off-road vehicles require complex seat lock mechanisms to maintain cargo decks in folded positions, increasing the number of components and costs.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle design incorporates seat back plates that are forward foldably attached to seat cushions via folding mechanisms, with doors featuring hinges and seat stoppers to prevent uplift, reducing the need for multiple lock components and enhancing cost efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex seat lock mechanisms are used to maintain cargo deck in folded position, then reliability of cargo deck positioning is improved, but device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo deck positioning reliabilityVSAvoidseat lock mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the door structure with the cargo deck locking function. The door itself serves as the locking mechanism through its geometric relationship with the cargo deck and seat back plate, eliminating the need for separate complex lock mechanisms. The door's closing action naturally engages the cargo deck in the folded position through the interaction between the door, seat back plate, and cargo deck structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The door serves multiple functions: it provides access to the cargo compartment and simultaneously acts as the locking mechanism for the cargo deck. The seat back plate also serves dual purposes as a structural component and as part of the locking system when folded. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple lock components are used to maintain seat back plate in folded state, then stability of folded position is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolded position stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking function into the existing door and seat back plate structures. The geometric arrangement of these components creates a self-locking mechanism that maintains the folded position without requiring additional lock components. The door's structure and its interaction with the seat back plate inherently provide the necessary stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the door's own weight and geometric configuration to automatically lock the cargo deck in the folded position. The seat back plate and door work together to create a self-sustaining locked state that requires no additional active locking components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If heavy lock mechanisms are installed to secure cargo deck, then reliability of cargo securing is improved, but weight of vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo securing reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the securing function with the existing lightweight door and seat back plate structures. Rather than adding separate heavy locking mechanisms, the design uses the geometric relationship and structural integrity of the existing components to provide reliable cargo securing. The door and seat back plate together form a lightweight yet effective securing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If complex locking systems are used to maintain seat position, then reliability of position maintenance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition maintenance reliabilityVSAvoiddoor operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the position maintenance function into the natural door closing operation. The geometric arrangement ensures that when the door is closed, it automatically engages the cargo deck and seat back plate in the correct folded position. This eliminates the need for separate locking operations, making the system both reliable and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically maintains the folded position through the door's closing action and the geometric relationship between components. The door itself performs the locking function without requiring additional manual operations or complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable position maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9061601B2Vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.06.23 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US9061601B2 patent drawing
  • US9061601B2 patent drawing
  • US9061601B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle includes a cargo area having folding seats and rear doors. The rear doors are provided with a seat stopper on an inner side. The seat stopper presses a seat back plate from above when the door is closed and the seat back plate is folded down to prevent the seat back plate from being lifted.