ISOFIX Locking Mechanism Resolving Length Dimension Instability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The ISOFIX mechanism's length dimension cannot be locked when subjected to external forces or collisions due to the unlocking of the locking member, which compromises the stability of the connection between the child restraint system and the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

The ISOFIX mechanism incorporates a connecting rod with a first pushing portion and a limiting portion, along with a locking member, which maintains the locking state by preventing detachment from the sleeve, and includes elastic devices and release operating members to manage the locking and unlocking states effectively, ensuring the shell remains locked relative to the sleeve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring is adopted to act on the locking member to maintain the locking of the shell relative to the sleeve, then the locking member can be easily maintained in a locked state, but the locking member will be unlocked when being squeezed or collided by an external force, leading to the length dimension of the ISOFIX mechanism cannot be locked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlength dimension stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking members: a first locking member for locking the shell relative to the sleeve, and a second locking member for locking the length dimension of the ISOFIX mechanism. Each locking member independently performs its specific locking function, so that the failure or unlocking of one does not affect the other. This segmentation ensures that even when the first locking member unlocks due to external force, the second locking member maintains the length dimension stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements excessive locking action by providing two locking members instead of one, where the second locking member provides an additional locking function that goes beyond the basic shell-sleeve locking. This excessive action ensures that the length dimension is locked even when the primary locking mechanism fails under external force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Ease of operation

If the locking member is designed to be unlockable under external force, then the mechanism can be released when needed, but the length dimension cannot be maintained locked during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease capabilityVSAvoidlength dimension stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into two functional parts: a releaseable first locking member that allows easy operation and release when needed, and a non-releaseable second locking member that maintains length dimension stability during normal operation. This segmentation enables the system to have both ease of operation for release and stability for length maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second locking member acts as an intermediary that maintains the length dimension locked state while allowing the first locking member to be released. It serves as a mediator that preserves the locked state even when the primary locking mechanism is released, ensuring that the length dimension remains stable during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration ensures the shell remains locked to the sleeve, preventing sliding and maintaining the length dimension of the ISOFIX mechanism, thereby securely connecting the child restraint system to the vehicle anchor points.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic device is mounted on the shell, and the first elastic device is connected to the locking member, and the first elastic device has a tendency to lock the locking member to the sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second elastic device is mounted in the shell, the second elastic device is connected to the fastening member, and the second elastic device has a tendency of causing the fastening member to switch from an engaging state to the non-engaging state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4186748A1International standards organization fix (isofix) mechanism and safety seat comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 NINGBO BABY FIRST BABY PROD CO LTD
  • EP4186748A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4186748A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4186748A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an ISOFIX mechanism and a safety seat including the same, and relates to the technical field of safety seats. The ISOFIX mechanism provided by the present invention includes a sleeve, a shell, a fastening member, a connecting rod, and a locking member. The shell is slidably connected in the sleeve. The connecting rod includes a first pushing portion and a limiting portion. The fastening member, the connecting rod, and the locking member are each movably connected in the shell. In an unlocked state, the fastening member is in a non-engaging state, the locking member is locked on the sleeve, the first pushing portion abuts against the fastening member, and the limiting portion abuts against the locking member to prevent the locking member from detaching from the sleeve. In the ISOFIX mechanism and the safety seat provided by the present invention, the locking member can be completely locked in the unlocked state, which alleviates the technical problem that the length dimension of the ISOFIX mechanism cannot be locked when the ISOFIX mechanism is squeezed or collided.