Gravity-Actuated Locking Element for Vehicle Seatback Storage Lid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles often lack effective locking mechanisms for storage area lids, which can lead to unintended opening during seatback transitions, potentially causing contents to fall out or be exposed.
Innovation Solution
A locking element that automatically engages and disengages based on the seatback's position, using gravity to secure the lid in the closed position when the seatback is upright and allowing it to open when folded down, ensuring the lid remains closed during upright positions and opens when the seatback is folded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is added to prevent unintended lid opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to dynamically change position based on seatback orientation. It automatically transitions between engaged and disengaged states according to gravity's direction, providing adaptive locking behavior that responds to the vehicle's operational context without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through gravity. The locking element automatically engages when the seatback is upright and disengages when folded, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or power sources. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element automatically engages via gravity, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to dependence on gravitational force
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits the change in gravitational parameter relative to the locking element's orientation. As the seatback transitions between upright and folded positions, the effective gravitational force direction changes, automatically triggering the locking and unlocking sequences without requiring additional control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to respond to gravitational changes. Its geometry and mounting arrangement enable automatic engagement/disengagement based on the seatback's angular position, ensuring reliable operation across different vehicle configurations.
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
Prevents accidental opening of the storage area lid when the seatback is in the upright position, maintaining contents' security and accessibility when needed, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element transitions from the disengaged position to the engaged position via the force of gravity when the seatback transitions from a fold down position to an upright position
Implementation Method 2
the locking element transitions from the engaged position to the disengaged position when the seatback transitions from the upright position to the fold down position
Data Source
AI summary
A seatback for a vehicle comprises: a lid having a closed position preventing access to a storage area and an open position allowing access to the storage area; and a locking element having an engaged position that prevents the lid from transitioning from the closed position to the open position and a disengaged position that does not prevent the lid from transitioning from the closed position to the open position; wherein, the locking element transitions from the disengaged position to the engaged position via the force of gravity when the seatback transitions from a fold down position to an upright position, and transitions from the engaged position to the disengaged position when the seatback transitions from the upright position to fold down position. The lid can pivot upward from a rearward portion of the seatback in the fold down position, as the lid transitions to the open position.