Recliner mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recliner mechanisms for vehicle seats lack a compact design that can effectively manage high torque loads and provide precise control over the pivoting of the seat back, often requiring multiple mechanisms to handle torsional loads, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A recliner mechanism comprising a first plate with a set of teeth, a second rotatable plate with a complementary set of teeth, and a pawl system that engages both sets of teeth to inhibit rotation, allowing for selective pivoting and holding of the seat back at various angles, featuring a compact design with enhanced mechanical strength to handle high torque loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a compact recliner mechanism design is used, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to handle high torque loads and provide precise control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tooth sets (first and second sets of teeth at different radial distances) and multiple pawls into a single integrated mechanism. This merging allows one compact mechanism to handle high torque loads that previously required multiple separate mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by arranging tooth sets at different radial distances from the axis. The first set of teeth is at a first radial distance and the second set is at a second radial distance, allowing the mechanism to handle varying torque loads through multi-dimensional engagement rather than requiring multiple mechanisms in sequence.
2Device complexity
If a compact recliner mechanism design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of seat back positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning control into multiple discrete tooth sets at different radial distances. Each tooth set corresponds to specific angular positions of the seat back, allowing precise positioning at multiple discrete angles. The pawls engage different tooth sets based on the desired position, providing segmented but precise control throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the radial dimension with multiple tooth sets at different distances from the axis, the mechanism achieves precise positioning control in multiple angular positions without increasing overall structural complexity. Each radial level provides positioning precision for specific angular ranges.
Data Source
AI summary
A recliner mechanism having a first plate, a second plate, and at least one pawl. The first plate has a first set of teeth. The second plate has a second set of teeth. The pawl that has a set of pawl teeth that engage the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth to inhibit rotation of the second plate with respect to the first plate.