Recliner Handle Overload Stop for Abuse Torque Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recliner handles in vehicle seats are prone to damage due to excessive downward torque, which can overload and potentially damage internal components when the handle is in the home position.
Innovation Solution
An overload protection device is integrated between the recliner handle and the recliner, featuring a handle spline with a disc shaft aperture that engages with a disc shaft, and a stop flange that frictionally engages with an overload stop to restrict rotation past the home position, diverting applied torque away from the recliner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the recliner handle is pushed downward when in the home position, then the handle can be operated, but excessive downward torque is transferred to the recliner causing damage to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (overload protection device including a torque sensor and disconnect mechanism) between the handle and the recliner's disc shaft. When excessive torque is detected, this intermediary mechanism disconnects the handle from the disc shaft, preventing the harmful torque from reaching the recliner's internal components while still allowing normal operation to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful excessive torque into a useful signal by using a torque sensor to detect when abuse torque is applied. This detected torque signal triggers the disconnect mechanism to engage, transforming the potentially damaging force into a protective action that safeguards the recliner's internal components.
2Reliability
If an overload protection device is added to prevent damage from excessive torque, then the recliner's reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical overload protection mechanisms with an electronic sensing and control system. Instead of using purely mechanical levers and linkages to detect and respond to excessive torque, the invention uses a torque sensor (electronic component) to detect torque levels and an electric motor with a disconnect mechanism to respond, simplifying the overall system architecture while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors the torque parameter in real-time using a torque sensor and dynamically adjusts the connection state between the handle and disc shaft based on the detected torque level. When torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system changes the connection parameter from engaged to disconnected, providing intelligent protection without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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
Prevents overloading and damage to the recliner by restricting rotation of the recliner handle beyond the home position, thereby protecting internal components and maintaining the recliner's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A stop flange attached to the handle spline is configured to frictionally engage with an overload stop attached to the recliner B-bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A recliner handle with an overload protection device is provided for a vehicle seat having a recliner attached to a recliner B-bracket. The recliner handle is attached to a handle spline having a disc shaft aperture configured to engage with a disc shaft of the recliner. A stop flange attached to the handle spline is configured to frictionally engage with an overload stop attached to the recliner B-bracket. The handle spline is rotatable in a first rotational direction between a first position wherein the stop flange is frictionally engaged with the overload stop and the disc shaft aperture is disengaged from the disc shaft and a second position wherein the disc shaft aperture engages the disc shaft. Rotation of the handle spline in a second rotational direction from the first position is restricted by the stop flange frictionally engaged with the overload stop.