Reclining Apparatus Pole with Differential Cut Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reclining apparatuses in vehicles face challenges in maintaining a balance between reclining strength and reducing unlocking noise, as existing designs often compromise on either engaging strength or noise reduction when internal and external teeth are modified for load distribution during collisions.
Innovation Solution
The reclining apparatus incorporates a pole with first and second cut external teeth parts, where the cutting degree of the first cut external teeth is different from the second cut external teeth, allowing for enhanced engaging strength for rearward loads while reducing unlocking noise by altering the tooth surface angles and number of cut teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the tooth surfaces of internal and external teeth are laid (modified) to reduce unlocking noise, then unlocking noise is reduced, but the engaging strength between teeth is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different cutting degrees to different parts of the external teeth. Specifically, the forward load receiving side has a larger cutting degree (greater lay angle) to reduce unlocking noise, while the rearward load receiving side has a smaller cutting degree (smaller lay angle) to maintain engaging strength. This local differentiation allows each tooth region to be optimized for its specific functional requirement.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the cutting degree of external teeth is increased to reduce unlocking noise, then unlocking noise is reduced, but the reclining strength (load resistance) is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different cutting degrees to different sides of the external teeth based on their load-bearing requirements. The forward load side receives a larger cutting degree for noise reduction, while the rearward load side receives a smaller cutting degree to preserve force transmission capability during collision loads.
3Force
If the tooth configuration is modified to optimize load distribution during collisions, then load resistance is improved, but unlocking noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying different cutting degrees to different sides of the external teeth. The forward load receiving side has a larger cutting degree that reduces unlocking noise, while the rearward load receiving side has a smaller cutting degree that maintains load resistance during rearward collisions, achieving both objectives simultaneously through spatial differentiation.
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
This configuration achieves an appropriate balance between reclining strength and noise reduction by optimizing the engaging and disengaging features of the pole, ensuring effective load resistance during vehicle collisions while minimizing unlocking noise.
Implementation Method 1
The release arm 142 is urged with an urging force in a direction, toward which the first cam 144 urges the pole 134 via the second cam 141 by a spring 150
Implementation Method 2
A first cam 144 is rotatably attached to the hinge pin 131. A second cam 141 is provided between the first cam 144 and an inclined surface that is opposite side to the external teeth 135 of the pole 134
Implementation Method 3
The hinge pin 131 is formed on its end surface with a groove in which an inner end portion of a spiral spring 156 is engaged, wherein an outer end portion of the spiral spring 156 is engaged with a pin 155 having an outer end portion standing up from the ratchet plate 132, so that the ratchet plate 132 (the upper arm) is urged in a forward tilting direction
Implementation Method 4
A pole 134 is disposed between the lower arm plate 130 and the ratchet plate 132. The pole 134 has a circular surface that faces the circular surface 132 of the ratchet plate 132 and has a plurality of external teeth 135 that are engageable with the internal teeth 133
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining apparatus includes: a base plate; a ratchet plate including a recessed portion having a inner circumferential surface provided with internal teeth; a pole including an outer circumferential surface of the pole provided with external teeth engageable with the internal teeth; and a guide, which is provided in the base plate to guide the pole between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the pole includes: a first cut external teeth part having a first tooth surface, in which a first side receiving a forward load is cut; and a second cut external teeth part having a second tooth surface, in which a second side receiving the rearward load is cut, and wherein a cutting degree of the first cut external teeth part is different from a cutting degree of the second cut external teeth part.