Dual-Plunger Loop Latch Release for Seat Rail Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loop latch release mechanisms for vehicle seat positioning systems require precise alignment and have single contact points, leading to issues with misalignment and component rotation, which affects the functionality and reliability of the system.
Innovation Solution
A dual plunger loop latch release system with spaced apart trigger releases, a return spring, and an actuator cam that rotates to position the dual plunger, providing multiple contact points and improved alignment tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single contact point between release plunger and loop latch is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loop latch rotates during engagement affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The release plunger is segmented into multiple contact points (first contact point and second contact point) that engage with different portions of the loop latch simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while improving engagement stability by distributing the engagement force across multiple points rather than relying on a single contact point.
2Manufacturing precision
If direct coupling between actuator cam and release plunger is used, then the manufacturing precision requirement is reduced, but misalignment negatively affects functionality
Solution Approach 1:
A cam follower is introduced as an intermediary element between the actuator cam and the release plunger. The cam follower rides along the cam surface and translates the rotational motion of the cam into linear motion of the plunger. This intermediary mechanism accommodates misalignment and tolerance variations while ensuring proper functioning of the release mechanism.
3Reliability
If multiple contact points are used between release plunger and loop latch, then the reliability is improved by reducing rotation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple contact points are merged into a single integrated release plunger component that engages with the loop latch at multiple locations simultaneously. This merging approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving the reliability benefits of multi-point engagement, avoiding the need for separate components for each contact point.
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 dual plunger system enhances the reliability and functionality by reducing rotation of the loop latch during engagement, accommodating component misalignment and dimensional variations, ensuring proper operation of the loop latch release mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring biasing the dual plunger towards the retracted position and towards a engaged position with the actuator cam
Implementation Method 2
an actuator cam that is rotated to reposition the dual plunger towards the extended position
Implementation Method 3
spaced apart first and second plungers configured to frictionally engage with respective release triggers
Data Source
AI summary
A rail drive assembly having a loop latch and a loop latch release system is assembled with a fixed long rail for transposing a vehicle seat along the fixed long rail. The loop latch has spaced apart trigger releases and is repositionable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The loop latch release system includes a dual plunger, a rotatable actuator cam, and a return spring. The dual plunger has spaced apart plungers configured to engage with respective release triggers and is repositionable between a retracted position spaced apart from the loop latch and an extended position wherein the plungers engage with the release triggers and reposition the loop latch to the unlocked position. Rotation of the actuator cam repositions the dual plunger towards the extended position. The return spring biases the dual plunger towards the retracted position and towards an engaged position with the actuator cam.