Foldable Seat Back Assembly With Dual-Axis Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat assemblies lack an efficient mechanism for folding and unfolding the seat back, which complicates space management and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a recliner mechanism, upper and lower brackets, a rivet, attachment plate, puck, and latch system that allows the seat back to pivot about multiple axes, enabling smooth folding and unfolding by controlling the rotation through a coordinated mechanism of levers and springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed seat back structure is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but space management flexibility and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is divided into multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other about a horizontal axis, allowing the seat back to be folded forward while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables space management flexibility without requiring complete disassembly of the seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back structure is transformed from a fixed rigid assembly to a dynamic system with rotational joints. The seat back can rotate between an upright position and a folded-forward position, providing adaptability for different space management needs while maintaining structural support when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable seat back mechanism is added, then space management flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational mechanism for folding the seat back is integrated into the existing seat frame structure. The horizontal rotation axis is incorporated into the seat back frame itself, combining the folding function with the structural support elements rather than adding separate folding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support when upright and enables folding motion when needed. The same structural elements that provide rigidity in the upright position also serve as the rotation axis and support during folding, eliminating the need for separate folding mechanism components.
3Ease of operation
If multiple rotation axes are implemented, then folding smoothness and user convenience are improved, but mechanism complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis rotation mechanism enables the seat back to fold and unfold automatically through coordinated rotation about horizontal and vertical axes. The mechanism uses the motion itself to control the folding sequence, with the vertical axis rotation occurring as a result of the horizontal axis motion, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly having a foldable seat back. The seat assembly may have an upper bracket that may be connected to a recliner mechanism that may be configured to rotate about a first axis. A rivet may be disposed on the upper bracket and may rotate about a second axis.