High Latch Disc Recliner for Wide-Range Seat Back Motion
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies in sedan-type vehicles have limited range of motion for the seat back due to the high latch being coupled to a fixed striker, restricting the adjustability and comfort of the seat back.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a high latch assembly that includes a disc recliner and a latch assembly, allowing the seat back to be pivoted between upright, reclined, and fold-flat positions, featuring a disc recliner with a guide plate, tooth plate, cam, and recliner shaft, and a latch assembly with hooks and locking cam to enhance the range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the high latch is coupled to a fixed striker, then the seat back can be secured in an upright position, but the range of motion of the seat back is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed striker with a movable striker that can translate along the seat back. This allows the high latch mechanism to maintain its securing function while adapting to a wider range of seat back positions, thereby increasing the range of motion without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the striker from fixed to movable, allowing it to translate along the seat back. This parameter change enables the system to achieve greater adaptability and range of motion while maintaining the simplicity of the high latch coupling mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the seat back is restricted to limited motion, then the high latch structure remains simple, but occupant comfort and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By making the striker movable rather than fixed, the system dynamically adapts to different seat back positions. This allows occupants to adjust the seat back through a wider range of motion while the high latch mechanism remains relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The movable striker serves multiple functions: it maintains the securing action of the high latch while simultaneously enabling a wider range of seat back positions. This multi-functionality increases adjustability without requiring separate mechanisms for each function
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle comprises a seat cushion adapted to be coupled to a floor of the vehicle, a seat back pivotably coupled to the seat cushion, a striker adapted to be fixedly secured to a support wall in the vehicle, a recliner bracket pivotally coupled to the seat back, and a latch assembly pivotally coupled to the recliner bracket and pivotally coupled to the striker. Pivotal movement of the recliner bracket relative to the seat back causes the latch assembly to pivot around the striker and the seat back to pivot relative to the seat cushion between a design position and a full recline position.