Nested Clock Spring Assembly for Compact Seat Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clock spring assemblies in automotive vehicles are not efficiently packaged within the pivotal connection between the seat cushion frame and the front legs, limiting their compactness and ease of use in transitioning between seating and cargo positions.
Innovation Solution
A clock spring assembly is designed with a first member and a second member that fit together, forming an inner space, where a support member and a pivot shaft are integrated to house and secure a clock spring, allowing it to bias the first member to pivot relative to the second member about a pivot axis, enhancing compactness and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the clock spring is mounted in an outboard position relative to the seat cushion frame, then the clock spring has sufficient space to function, but the packaging efficiency and compactness of the seat assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clock spring assembly is nested within the pivotal connection structure between the seat cushion frame and front legs. The second member is positioned within the inner space of the first member, and the clock spring is disposed within the inner space of the second member, creating a nested configuration that improves packaging efficiency while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional outboard mounting arrangement to a three-dimensional integrated configuration. By utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions within the pivotal connection, the clock spring is repositioned from an external outboard location to an internal integrated location, achieving compact packaging without increasing structural complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the clock spring is packaged within the pivotal connection, then compactness is improved, but the ease of operation and smoothness of transitions between positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connection is segmented into distinct functional components: the first member (seat cushion frame), the second member (front leg component), the support member, and the clock spring assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining smooth relative movement, ensuring easy transition between seating and cargo positions
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary element between the clock spring and the second member. It provides a stable mounting surface for the clock spring while allowing the second member to pivot smoothly relative to the first member, maintaining ease of operation despite the compact integrated packaging
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 solution allows for a more compact and efficient packaging of the clock spring within the seat assembly, facilitating smoother transitions between seating and cargo positions while maintaining the necessary biasing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The clock spring is wound around the support member and is engaged with the support member at a first end and engaged with the first member at a second end. The clock spring biases the first member to pivot relative to the second member about the pivot axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock spring assembly includes a first member pivotally coupled to a second member about a pivot axis. The first member defines an inner space and the second member also defines an inner space. At least a portion of the second member is disposed within the inner space of the first member. A support member is disposed within the inner space of the second member and is coupled thereto. A pivot shaft is coaxial with the pivot axis and pivotally couples the first and second members together. A clock spring is disposed within the inner space of the second member and is wound around the support member. The clock spring extends between a first end engaged with the support member and a second end engaged with the first member. The clock spring biases the first member to pivot relative to the second member about the pivot axis.