Linear Latch with Spring Biased Adjustment Bar for Vehicle Seatback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear latch mechanisms for vehicle seatbacks lack efficient adjustment between upright and recline positions, requiring manual intervention and limited range of motion.
Innovation Solution
A linear latch system with a pivotally secured housing, an elongated spring-biased adjustment bar, and a cable retracting mechanism that allows pins to displace and reseat through apertures, enabling adjustable seatback motion between upright and recline positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used to adjust the seatback position, then the adjustment can be achieved, but the ease of operation is reduced and user convenience is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages through the interaction between the elongated member and pins. When the seatback is moved to different positions, the elongated member automatically aligns with and engages the pins without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating the need for user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical adjustment systems with a simpler spring-loaded latch mechanism. The coil spring provides automatic engagement force, and the cable retracting mechanism provides controlled disengagement, substituting manual operation with automated mechanical forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed latch mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for different seatback positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static fixed position system to a dynamic adjustable system. The elongated member can move linearly along the cable axis, and the pins can be repositioned along the elongated member's length, allowing the latch to adapt to multiple seatback positions while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of movable components within a basic housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is divided into separable components: the housing, the elongated member with multiple apertures, and the pins. This segmentation allows the pins to be positioned at different locations along the elongated member, providing adaptability for various seatback positions while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pins are constantly engaged with the elongated member, then the seatback position is stable, but the adjustment range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism operates through periodic engagement and disengagement cycles. The cable retracting mechanism periodically disengages the pins from the elongated member to allow adjustment, then releases to allow the spring to re-engage the pins at new positions. This periodic action enables both wide adjustment range and stable positioning at each selected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retracting mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user's adjustment input and the latch engagement. It mediates the transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the pins to move freely along the elongated member during adjustment while maintaining stable engagement at selected positions, thus enabling both range of motion and stability.
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 smooth and adjustable seatback movement between upright and recline positions with reduced manual intervention, enhancing user convenience and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring influences seats over the elongated member and biases the same in a first lineal direction away from the housing
Implementation Method 2
A cable retracting mechanism displaces the inner support member in a second opposite direction, this causing the pins to outwardly displace from the elongated member
Data Source
AI summary
A linear latch interconnecting a pivotally adjustable seatback with a frame location of a vehicle interior. A bracket supported housing pivotally secures to a surface of the frame. An elongated member is supported in linearly displaceable fashion to the bracket and exhibits a plurality of spaced apart apertures. A forward extending end of the member connects to the seatback. A coil spring influences seats over the elongated member and biases the same in a first lineal direction away from the housing. A pair of pins are anchored to an inner support member within the housing and which is biased in a first lateral direction to cause the pins to seat through aligning apertures in the elongated member. A cable retracting mechanism displaces the inner support member in a second opposite direction, causing the pins to outwardly displace from the elongated member and to permit adjustment relative to the housing in order to define a range of seatback motion between upright design and rear recline positions.