Pivoting Seat Assembly Locking with Linear Actuation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating arrangements in passenger transport vehicles, such as commuter and regional trains, face issues with unreliable locking and unlocking mechanisms due to insufficient magnetic forces, especially when passengers exert force on the pendulum arm, leading to failure of the solenoid in maintaining the locked position.
Innovation Solution
A seating arrangement with a pivot axis and a fixing device that includes a movable fixing element with a linear drive actuator and a latch, allowing for consistent, high driving forces and defined pivot positions, using a trap element and detent points for reliable locking and unlocking, and a preload element to reduce friction and prevent jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lifting magnets and solenoids are used for locking and unlocking, then the mechanism can be actuated, but the magnetic force is insufficient when passengers exert force on the pendulum arm, leading to unreliable locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based solenoid actuation with a direct mechanical actuation system. A actuator (electric motor, piston, or cam mechanism) mechanically drives the locking bar to engage and disengage the detent points, eliminating reliance on insufficient magnetic forces while maintaining the overall locking mechanism structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking bar with its movable end, the detent points on the support element, and the actuator. This segmentation allows the actuator to directly apply mechanical force to the locking bar, ensuring reliable engagement with detent points independent of passenger-applied forces on the pendulum arm.
2Reliability
If a fixing device is added to provide reliable locking, then locking reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device components are merged into an integrated assembly: the locking bar is positioned to directly interact with detent points on the support element, and the actuator is coupled to the locking bar. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while ensuring reliable locking through direct mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the geometry of the locking bar and detent points. Once the actuator positions the locking bar to engage the detent points, the mechanism maintains its locked state without requiring continuous actuation force, and can be released by a simple reverse actuation, reducing control system complexity.
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 provides reliable and consistent locking and unlocking of seating arrangements, independent of the swivel position, with enhanced driving forces and reduced wear, ensuring secure operation even under passenger load.
Implementation Method 1
the linear drive is an electric motor that drives the bolt in a linear longitudinal motion via a gearbox
Implementation Method 2
The rotating element is elastically mounted at the distal end
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Seating arrangement (10), preferably for a passenger transport vehicle (1), comprising a support element (100), at least one support element (200) pivotably connected to the support element (100) about a pivot axis (S) extending through the support element (100), and a fixing device (300) configured to fix the support element (200) in at least one pivot position (SP1, SP2, SPn) relative to the support element (100). The fixing device (300) has a fixing element (310) connected to the support element (200) and pivotable together with the support element (200) about the pivot axis (S).