Reclining Mechanism Shaft Flange for Low-Force Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing reclining apparatus experiences degraded operability due to increased operating force required when the operating shaft is inclined in directions other than the arm portion's direction, leading to restricted movement and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
The operating shaft is equipped with a flange portion on its outer peripheral surface that protrudes radially to abut against the bottom portion of the first member, preventing any inclination and maintaining optimal alignment, thus reducing the operating force needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spiral spring applies force to the operating shaft to urge the rotation cam, then the pawl is positioned in the locked position, but the operating shaft inclines with respect to the axis of relative rotation causing increased operating force
Solution Approach 1:
A flange portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the operating shaft and the first member. This flange acts as a mediator that transmits the urging force from the spiral spring while simultaneously preventing inclination of the operating shaft, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable locking and reducing operating force
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the inclination problem by adding a radial dimension constraint through the flange portion. The flange extends in the radial direction of the operating shaft and abuts against the bottom portion of the first member, creating a constraint in the radial dimension that prevents axial inclination, thereby allowing the spring force to be applied without causing misalignment
2Ease of operation
If the operating shaft is allowed to rotate freely with the rotation cam, then the mechanism operates smoothly, but the operating shaft inclines causing degraded operability
Solution Approach 1:
The operating shaft is segmented into functional portions: a rotation portion that rotates integrally with the rotation cam, and a flange portion that remains constrained radially. This segmentation allows the rotation function to be maintained while the flange portion provides stability by preventing inclination, thus resolving the contradiction between smooth rotation and alignment stability
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 ensures that the operating shaft remains aligned, maintaining good operability by restricting inclination and reducing the force required to operate the reclining mechanism, thereby enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral spring engaging the operating shaft at an inner end portion thereof, engaging the second member at an outer end portion thereof, and configured to urge the rotation cam so as to position the pawl in the locked position
Implementation Method 2
the operating shaft is formed with a flange portion on an outer peripheral surface thereof so as to protrude in the radial direction of the operating shaft so as to abut against a bottom portion of the first member and restrict the operating shaft from inclining in any direction with respect to the bottom portion of the first member
Implementation Method 3
a pawl provided on the second member so as to be capable of moving and formed with outer teeth capable of engaging the inner teeth; configured to move the pawl to a locked position where the outer teeth of the pawl engage the inner teeth of the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining apparatus, in which a force causes an operating shaft to incline with respect to an axis of the relative rotation thereof, provides a reclining apparatus having good operability. More specifically, an operating shaft 77 is formed with a flange portion 75 so as to protrude in the radial direction of the operating shaft 77 so as to abut against a bottom portion 21a of a ratchet (first member) 21, and restrict the operating shaft 77 from inclining in any direction with respect to the bottom portion 21a of the ratchet 21 over the entire area of the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof.