Juvenile Vehicle Seat with Foldable Backrest and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing juvenile vehicle seats with backrests lack a practical mechanism for converting the backrest into a compact storage position, which is essential for space efficiency and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A foldable backrest with a releasable lock mechanism that allows caregivers to pivot the backrest from an upright position to a compact storage position by disengaging the backrest-lock legs from the seat base, utilizing a frame anchor and U-shaped backrest frame to facilitate movement and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backrest is made fixed and rigid, then stability and safety are improved, but space efficiency and ease of storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be fixed in an upright position during use for stability, and foldable forward for compact storage when not in use. The movable backrest frame with lock/unlock mechanism enables the system to adapt between two stable states: upright (for reliability) and folded (for space efficiency).
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest assembly is divided into separate components: a stationary seat base, a movable backrest frame, and a foldable backrest. This segmentation allows the backrest frame to be independently moved and locked, enabling the backrest to be folded forward without compromising the structural integrity of the seat base, thus achieving both stability during use and compact storage.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the backrest, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-latching through the interaction between the backrest-lock legs and leg receivers. When the backrest frame is in the upright position, the legs automatically engage with the receivers to lock the backrest without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest-lock legs serve as intermediary elements between the movable backrest frame and the stationary seat base. These legs provide the locking function by engaging with the leg receivers, simplifying the overall mechanism by using passive mechanical engagement rather than active locking systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the backrest is made foldable, then space efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The folding operation is designed to be self-assisting through the mechanical linkage between the backrest frame and the seat base. The pivot axis and axle arrangement allow the backrest to fold forward with minimal effort, and the lock mechanism automatically engages to secure it in the folded position, reducing the operational complexity for the user.
4Reliability
If a U-shaped backrest frame with lock legs is used, then stability in upright position is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped backrest frame combines multiple functions into a single structural element: it provides the framework for the backrest, incorporates the lock legs for securing the upright position, and enables forward folding movement. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base adapted to set on a vehicle seat and a foldable backrest associated with the seat base. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a backrest lock coupled to the foldable backrest.