Recliner Bracket Plate Structure for Collision Torque Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seats face damage and deformation issues due to continuous torque input to the recliner during a collision, which can cause damage to the recliner and its joint with the back frame.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat design featuring a recliner plate with impact absorbing holes and opposing beads that deform to absorb torque, reducing damage and deformation by distributing the load and preventing interference between the recliner and back frame components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the recliner is coupled to the back frame and lower arm to enable seatback pivoting, then the seatback can pivot relative to the seat cushion in seat front-rear directions, but continuous torque input during collision damages the recliner and joint parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseatback pivoting functionVSAvoidrecliner durability under collision load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful collision torque into beneficial deformation energy absorption. The recliner plate is designed with beads that intentionally deform under collision load, transforming the harmful continuous torque into controlled temporary deformation that absorbs impact energy, then returns to original shape, preventing permanent damage to the recliner and joint parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the recliner plate by adding beads with specific geometries. These beads alter the plate's stiffness and deformation characteristics, enabling it to flexibly absorb collision torques while maintaining structural integrity and functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the recliner plate is made rigid to support the recliner, then structural strength is improved, but deformation under collision torque causes damage to the recliner and cushion frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecliner plate structural strengthVSAvoidcollision torque damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the recliner plate by incorporating beads with specific geometries and positions. These beads create zones of controlled flexibility that allow the plate to deform elastically under collision loads, absorbing impact energy while maintaining overall structural strength and preventing permanent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the harmful collision torque into beneficial elastic deformation of the beads. The beads are designed to temporarily change shape under impact, converting the harmful mechanical energy into elastic potential energy, which is then released, preventing permanent structural damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If the recliner plate structure is simplified for easy manufacture, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but impact absorption capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecliner plate fabricationVSAvoidimpact absorption performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the recliner plate structure by adding discrete beads at strategic positions. This segmentation creates multiple localized deformation zones that collectively absorb impact energy. The beads can be manufactured using standard forming processes and integrated into the plate, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving impact absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design effectively inhibits damage to the recliner and cushion frame, reduces deformation, and enhances the impact absorption capability, while allowing for easier assembly and design flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a load transmitted to the cushion frame from the recliner, to which a torque is input, induces a distortion that causes the first bead and the second bead protruding in the directions opposite to each other to deform in the respective seat width directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a distortion that occurs in coupling the recliner and the back frame is absorbed by the impact absorbing hole, which inhibits the coupled part of the recliner and the back frame from being damaged at occurrence of a torque input to the recliner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistortion absorption: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS12559005B2Vehicle seat with recliner bracket

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 TOYOTA BOSHOKU KK

AI summary

One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat including a lower arm fixed to a cushion frame, and a recliner coupled to a back frame and to the lower arm and configured to cause the back frame to pivot relative to the lower arm. The lower arm includes a recliner plate. The recliner plate includes an impact absorbing hole located in a position lower than a rotational center-axis of the recliner, a first bead extending from the impact absorbing hole to the seat rear side and curved so as to protrude along a thickness of the recliner plate, and a second bead extending from the impact absorbing hole to a seat front side and curved so as to protrude along the thickness of the recliner plate. A protruding direction of the second bead is opposite to a protruding direction of the first bead.