Linear Latch with Spring-Biased Gear Rack for Seatback Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear latch mechanisms for vehicle seatbacks lack efficient bi-directional adjustment capabilities, limiting the range of motion between upright and recline positions, and often require complex manual operations for reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A linear latch system featuring a spring-biased gear rack with alternate teeth patterns and pivotally secured locking members, allowing for adjustable engagement with the gear rack to enable bi-directional seatback movement, facilitated by a housing with angled tabs and torsion springs for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional linear latch mechanism is used for seatback adjustment, then the structure is simple, but the bi-directional adjustment capability is limited and manual operation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a gear rack with upper and lower teeth patterns for bidirectional engagement, separate locking members (pawls) for each direction, and a housing with aperture for controlled access. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect of the bidirectional adjustment function, improving versatility while keeping individual parts simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear rack serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for the latch, contains both upper and lower teeth patterns for bidirectional locking, and acts as the moving element that translates seatback position. The locking members also serve dual purposes by engaging with either upper or lower teeth depending on adjustment direction, making the mechanism universally applicable to both forward and rearward seatback movements.
2Ease of operation
If manual reconfiguration of the latch is required, then the structure is simpler, but the operation requires complex manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are spring-loaded and automatically engage with the gear rack teeth without requiring manual intervention. When the seatback is moved to a new position, the springs automatically drive the locking members into engagement with the appropriate teeth, making the system self-configuring and eliminating complex manual reconfiguration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to be dynamically controllable through the aperture, allowing users to easily disengage them when needed for adjustment. The springs provide continuous force to maintain engagement, while the aperture allows quick release when pressure is applied, creating a dynamic system that is both secure during operation and easily reconfigurable when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gear rack is constrained in axial displacement, then the range of motion is controlled, but the adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gear rack has different tooth patterns at different locations: upper teeth for forward locking and lower teeth for rearward locking. This local differentiation allows the same gear rack structure to provide controlled engagement in both directions while accommodating the full range of seatback motion. The aperture position also provides local control by defining where the locking members can engage, creating localized constraints that enable global versatility.
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
Enables seamless bi-directional adjustment of the seatback between upright and recline positions with reduced manual effort, enhancing user convenience and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
An elongated gear rack exhibits upper and lower ratchet defining surfaces and is supported in linearly displaceable fashion to the bracket, a forward extending end of the gear rack connecting to the seatback such that the gear rack is biased in a first lineal direction relative to the bracket
Implementation Method 2
A pair of torsion springs are each supported upon an opposing inner surface of the bracket housing via a spacer bushing positionally supporting a looped portion of each torsion spring in alignment with the coaxial supports. The torsion springs are secured to the side extending faces of the housing to influence the locking members in first biased directions
Data Source
AI summary
A linear latch interconnecting a pivoting seatback with a frame location of a vehicle interior. The latch includes a bracket secured to a surface of the frame. An elongated gear rack exhibits upper and lower ratchet defining surfaces and is supported in linearly displaceable fashion to the bracket, a forward extending end of the gear rack connecting to the seatback such that the gear rack is biased in a first lineal direction relative to the bracket. A pair of locking members are pivotally secured to the bracket and are biased in first directions to engage selected teeth associated with the upper and lower ratchet defining surfaces of the gear rack. The locking members are concurrently pivoted out of contact with the gear rack to permit readjustment of the seatback in a second counter-biasing direction, following which they re-engage additional selected teeth associated with gear rack surfaces.