Multidirectional Clock Spring for Automotive Seat Reclining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive seat reclining devices require additional user effort to move the seat back from a fold flat position to an upright position due to the weight of the seat back and the forward biasing force provided by the clock spring, which is not counteracted effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional clock spring assembly with a rotating arbor that generates both forward and rearward biasing forces, allowing the seat back to be easily pivoted from an upright position to a reclined position and then back to the upright position from a fold flat position, using a travelling spring tab, stationary spring tab, and arbor plate to manage the tension of the clock spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary spring tab is used to engage with the clock spring end, then the forward biasing force is ceased during forward pivoting, but the user still has difficulty lifting the seat back from fold flat position due to its weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the stationary spring tab into a travelling spring tab that moves with the seat back during pivoting. This dynamic configuration allows the spring tab to disengage from the clock spring during forward motion while automatically re-engaging during rearward motion, providing adaptive biasing forces that assist both forward and rearward pivoting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The travelling spring tab mechanism creates a rearward biasing force through the clock spring that counteracts the weight of the seat back during the lifting operation from fold flat position. This counterbalancing force reduces the effort required by the user to overcome gravity and move the heavy seat back upward.
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 multidirectional clock spring assembly reduces the effort required to lift the seat back from a fold flat position to an upright position by providing a rearward biasing force that assists in counteracting the weight of the seat back, making the process easier and more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
A clock spring is positioned adjacent the arbor plate and preferably aligned with the pivot shaft axis of rotation, the clock spring having an internal spring end operatively connected to the spring arbor and an external spring end configured to be releasably engaged with the travelling spring tab
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional clock spring assembly with a rotating arbor is disclosed for an automotive seat of the type wherein a seat back thereof may be pivoted between a rearward reclined position and a forward fold flat position overlying a seat cushion thereof. The clock spring provides a biasing force to move the seat back from the reclined position towards an upright position, and further for biasing the clock spring to provide a biasing force to move the seat back from the fold flat position towards the upright position.