Folding Seat Assembly with Automatic Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle seat assemblies face challenges in efficiently folding and storing seats without interference from adjacent components, such as the seatback and head restraint, which limits the ability to create additional cargo space by not allowing the seat to slide rearward effectively when folding.

Innovation Solution

A track assembly with a lock assembly that pivots the seatback to an inclined position, unlocking the seat bottom to slide rearward into a storage position, and then locks it in place, allowing the seatback to be folded compactly without interference from other seats or restraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the seatback is folded forward to a flat storage position, then cargo space is increased, but the seat bottom cannot slide rearward effectively due to interference from adjacent components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo spaceVSAvoidseat bottom sliding

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock assembly is designed to automatically unlock when the seatback reaches a specific inclined angle during the folding process. This preliminary unlocking action occurs before the seat bottom needs to slide rearward, eliminating the interference problem and allowing smooth rearward movement of the seat bottom to create additional cargo space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state based on the seatback's position. The lock assembly's status changes dynamically as the seatback folds, automatically adapting to the folding process and enabling the seat bottom to slide rearward when needed for cargo space optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the seat bottom slides rearward to a storage position, then cargo space is maximized, but the lock assembly must reliably transition between locked and unlocked statuses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo spaceVSAvoidlock assembly status transition

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism provides mechanical feedback by engaging with the lock assembly at specific seatback angles. When the seatback reaches the inclined position, the cam's geometry automatically triggers the lock assembly to transition from locked to unlocked status, ensuring reliable state changes based on the seatback's actual position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cam acts as an intermediary between the seatback's folding motion and the lock assembly's status transition. This intermediary mechanism translates the seatback's angular position into a reliable unlocking action, ensuring that the lock assembly transitions smoothly and predictably between locked and unlocked states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the seat assembly includes a track assembly for fore-aft movement, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the lock assembly and cam mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat position flexibilityVSAvoidlock assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock assembly is integrated with the track assembly and seatback structure, combining multiple functions into a unified mechanism. The cam is attached to the seatback while the lock assembly connects the track assembly and seatback, merging the locking, positioning, and folding control functions into a coordinated system that manages complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock assembly serves multiple functions: it locks the seat bottom in the forward position during normal use, unlocks to allow rearward sliding for cargo space, and coordinates with the cam mechanism to control the folding process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, managing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the seat assembly to be efficiently folded and stored, providing additional cargo space by ensuring the seatback can be folded into a compact position without obstruction, allowing for seamless rearward sliding and locking in place for secure storage.

Implementation Method 1

A biasing member is coupled to and biases the seat bottom rearward to a rear storage position when the lock assembly is in the unlocked status

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11597305B2Folding seat assembly

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A vehicle seat is provided having a track assembly to allow a seat bottom to slide in a fore-aft direction. A lock assembly is connected to the track assembly and moveable between a locked status and an unlocked status, wherein in the locked status the seat bottom is prevented from sliding, and in the unlocked status, the seat bottom is allowed to slide. A seatback is pivotally connected to the seat bottom. When the seatback is pivoted forward to a first inclined position, the seatback engages and moves the lock assembly to the unlocked status. In the unlocked status, the seat bottom is biased to slide rearward to a rear storage position. In the rear storage position, the lock assembly is moved to the locked status.