Motorized Recliner Actuator Cable Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat reclining mechanisms require manual operation to transition between locked and unlocked states, lacking efficient motorized actuation for adjusting the seatback's angular position, which can be cumbersome and unsafe during occupancy.

Innovation Solution

A motorized actuator system with a housing, gear, pulley, and cables is integrated into the vehicle seating assembly, allowing the recliner heart to be automatically transitioned between locked and unlocked states using a motor and release cable, enabling easy adjustment of the seatback's position from folded to unfolded and vice versa.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual reclining mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the seat is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical reclining mechanism with an electric motor-driven system. The motor (38) activates through a gear (42) and pulley (70) system to automatically adjust the seatback position, eliminating the need for manual handle operation and enabling adjustment even when the seat is occupied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate mechanical components including a gear (42) that transmits motor rotation, a pulley (70) that converts rotational motion to linear cable movement, and cables (74, 78) that transmit force to the recliner heart (22). These intermediaries enable automated control while maintaining mechanical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the seatback is manually adjusted, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual adjustment process is replaced by an automated electric motor system that rapidly transitions the seatback between positions. The motor (38) through gear (42) and pulley (70) mechanisms provides powered adjustment, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual handle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the seatback folding mechanism is simple, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when adjusting occupied seats

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual seatback adjustment with an automated motor-driven system, eliminating safety concerns associated with manual operation on occupied seats. The electric motor (38) provides controlled, powered adjustment that ensures reliable operation regardless of seat occupancy status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gear (42) and pulley (70) systems serve as mechanical intermediaries that translate motor rotation into controlled cable tension and release, providing smooth and reliable seatback transition while maintaining mechanical advantage and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 motorized actuator system provides efficient and safe automatic adjustment of the seatback's position, enhancing user convenience and safety by eliminating the need for manual operation, especially during occupancy, while maintaining the seatback's stability and support.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a pulley coupled to the gear; a lifting cable coupled between the pulley and the seatback

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

an actuator return spring defining a first hook and a second catch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10076978B2Power lift and recliner release/fold device

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base, a seatback, and a recliner heart. The recliner heart is rotatably coupled to the seat base and the seatback and the recliner heart is operable between locked and unlocked states. The vehicle seating assembly additionally includes an actuator having a housing defining a housing tab, a motor, a gear operably coupled to the motor where the gear defines a gear tab and a spring tab. The actuator includes an actuator return spring defining a first and second hook where the first hook is coupled to the spring tab. The actuator additionally includes a lever coupled to the gear, a pulley coupled to the gear, a lifting cable coupled between the pulley and the seatback, and a release cable coupled between the lever and the recliner heart. The release cable is configured to transition the recliner heart between the locked and unlocked states.