Power Return Mechanism for Automotive Seat Back
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies for automotive vehicles lack a simple and efficient power return mechanism to automatically pivot the seat back from a folded position to an upright seating position, and there is a need for a mechanism that can also control the descent of the seat back from the seating position to the folded position.
Innovation Solution
A power return mechanism is introduced, comprising a support bracket, a slider bracket, a cable, and a motor and gear assembly, which automatically returns the seat back to the seating position by pulling the cable and includes a release mechanism to control the descent, allowing for flexible mounting orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a power return mechanism is added to automatically return the seat back, then automation and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power return mechanism is integrated within the existing seat assembly structure. The motor and gear assembly is housed within a compact mechanism that fits within the seat back framework, with the cable routing through existing structural elements. This nesting approach automates the seat back return function while minimizing additional space requirements and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable acts as an intermediary element connecting the motor-gear assembly to the seat back. The cable transmits the mechanical force generated by the motor to the seat back, enabling automatic return without requiring direct mechanical coupling. This intermediary approach simplifies the connection between the power source and the moving component.
2Productivity
If the seat back is manually pivoted between positions, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The power return mechanism operates autonomously to return the seat back to its upright position without requiring manual intervention. The motor-gear assembly automatically activates to reel in the cable and pull the seat back into position, providing self-service functionality that speeds up the adjustment process while maintaining relatively simple mechanical components.
3Reliability
If a power return mechanism with descent control is implemented, then reliability and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism incorporates control logic that responds to the position and movement state of the seat back. The descent control feature monitors the seat back position and adjusts the cable tension accordingly, providing feedback-based control that ensures reliable and controlled movement while preventing uncontrolled descent. This feedback mechanism enhances reliability without requiring complex additional components.
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 power return mechanism efficiently and automatically returns the seat back to the upright position and controls its descent to the folded position, providing additional storage capacity and convenience while ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor and gear assembly for power driving the slider bracket between a home position when the seat back is in the seating position and a full stroke position pulling the cable to pivot the seat back from the folded position to the seating position
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly having a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement between a generally upright seating position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A power return mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back for automatically returning the seat back from the folded position to the seating position. The power return mechanism includes a support bracket for mounting the power return mechanism to the seat assembly, a slider bracket slidably coupled to the support bracket, a cable connected between the seat back and the slider bracket, and a motor and gear assembly for power driving the slider bracket between a home position when the seat back is in the seating position and a full stroke position pulling the cable to pivot the seat back from the folded position to the seating position.