Modular Recliner Pawl Spring Cartridge for Seat-Back Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recliner mechanisms for seat assemblies lack an efficient mechanism to control the pivoting of seat backs, as they often rely on complex and heavy components that do not effectively utilize separate cartridges and pawl springs to provide a biasing force for smooth and controlled rotation.
Innovation Solution
A recliner mechanism comprising a first plate with pawl guide slots, a second rotatable plate, a cartridge with pawl spring slots, and pawl springs that exert a biasing force on pawls, allowing for controlled pivoting of the seat back by receiving and guiding the pawls through the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex and heavy components are used to control seat back pivoting, then the mechanism can provide sufficient structural strength and control, but the weight of the recliner system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a cartridge containing multiple pawl springs, individual pawls, and plate assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength-to-weight ratio, replacing complex integrated structures with simpler modular elements that collectively provide the required structural strength while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl springs are extracted from traditional heavy-duty spring assemblies and placed into a compact cartridge. This extraction allows the use of lighter, more efficient spring elements that provide the necessary biasing force for pawl engagement while significantly reducing the weight of the biasing mechanism compared to conventional heavy spring assemblies.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to control seat back pivoting, then adequate control and stability can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses multiple identical pawl-spring units arranged in parallel within a cartridge, each independently engaging with the seat back structure. This segmented approach provides redundant control paths and distributed stability, where failure of one unit does not compromise overall functionality, thereby enhancing reliability while keeping individual units simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl springs are designed to automatically engage and disengage pawls through their inherent biasing force without requiring external actuators or complex control systems. The springs self-regulate the engagement timing and force, providing stable control through passive mechanical means rather than active complex mechanisms.
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
The mechanism provides a lightweight and efficient means to control the rotation of seat backs, allowing for smooth pivoting and inhibition of rotation, enhancing user experience and reducing the weight of the recliner system.
Implementation Method 1
The pawl spring may be received in the pawl spring slot. The pawl spring may exert a biasing force on the pawl.
Data Source
AI summary
A recliner mechanism for a seat. The recliner mechanism may have a first plate and a cartridge. The first plate may define a through hole that may receive the cartridge. The cartridge may have a pawl spring slot that may receive a pawl spring that may exert a biasing force on a pawl.