Hold-open Assembly for Vehicle Seat Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle seat locking mechanisms require both hands to return to the seating configuration from a load floor configuration, as they automatically lock when the release force is removed, making it inconvenient and awkward.
Innovation Solution
An assembly that includes a gear shaft, release link, hold-open pin, and follower link with a notch, along with an actuator, which maintains the locking mechanism in an open position by engaging the hold-open pin within the notch, allowing one-handed operation to keep the seatback in the upright position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanism automatically returns to locked position when release force is removed, then the locking mechanism maintains reliable engagement, but both hands are required to return the seatback to seating configuration
Solution Approach 1:
A hold-open pin and follower link assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the release handle and the locking mechanism. When the release handle is pulled to the unlocked position, the hold-open pin engages with the follower link to maintain the handle in the pulled position, allowing the seatback to be returned to seating configuration with one hand while the other hand remains free.
2Reliability
If both hands are required to operate the locking mechanism, then the locking mechanism ensures secure engagement, but the individual must assume awkward positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-open pin and follower link serve as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the locking mechanism's secure engagement function from the operator's hand positioning requirement. The intermediary holds the release handle in the unlocked position, enabling the operator to complete the seatback return motion with one hand in a natural, non-awkward position.
3Reliability
If the release handle automatically returns to locked position, then the locking mechanism provides automatic safety, but the individual cannot perform other tasks with both hands free
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-open pin and follower link assembly functions as a mechanical intermediary that allows the release handle to be held in the unlocked position against the automatic return force. This enables the operator to maintain the seat in the load floor configuration with one hand free for other tasks, while the intermediary mechanism counteracts the automatic safety locking tendency.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for holding open a locking mechanism for a motor vehicle folding seat includes a locking mechanism having a gear shaft and a release link fixedly attached to the gear shaft that transitions the locking mechanism between an engaged and a released orientation. A hold-open pin attached to the release link is received within a follower link notch to maintain the locking mechanism in the released orientation. An actuator positions the follower link notch to receive the hold-open pin within the follower link notch.