Reclining Device Spring Cover Elastic Protrusion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of a reclining device with a spring cover is complicated due to the need for swaging and quenching, which makes it difficult to control the accuracy and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A reclining device design where the spring cover is fixed to the first member using an elastic protrusion that press-contacts the attachment protrusion, allowing for easy assembly without the need for swaging or welding, and providing a secure fit to prevent falling out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the spring cover is fixed using swaging and quenching, then the attachment strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment protrusion is divided into multiple surfaces (first stopper surface, second stopper surface, and erected wall surface), each serving a specific function in the assembly process. This segmentation allows for a simplified snap-fit attachment while maintaining strength through distributed contact points rather than requiring complex swaging or quenching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive and complex thermal processing (quenching) and mechanical deformation (swaging) with a simple elastic snap-fit mechanism. The elastic protrusion provides sufficient attachment strength through elastic deformation alone, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming heat treatment processes.
2Reliability
If the spring cover is fixed using swaging and quenching, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the attachment mechanism from permanent thermal-mechanical bonding (swaging and quenching) to reversible elastic deformation. The elastic protrusion's deformation characteristics provide inherent compliance that absorbs dimensional variations, making the assembly process more tolerant to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic protrusion is designed to deform beforehand during assembly, absorbing dimensional and positional errors before final attachment. This pre-compliance mechanism cushions against manufacturing variations, ensuring reliable attachment without requiring extremely tight tolerances in the swaging or quenching processes.
3Ease of operation
If the spring cover is made with elastic protrusion for easy assembly, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the attachment strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple attachment surfaces (first stopper surface, second stopper surface, and erected wall surface) into a single integrated elastic protrusion structure. This combination allows the snap-fit mechanism to engage multiple surfaces simultaneously, distributing the attachment load and maintaining strength while preserving ease of assembly through the elastic deformation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism combines rigid structural elements (the protrusion geometry and multiple contact surfaces) with elastic material properties. This composite approach uses the rigidity of the geometry to provide stable attachment points while the elastic material allows for easy assembly through reversible deformation, achieving both ease of assembly and adequate attachment strength.
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 solution enables straightforward and accurate assembly of the spring cover, improving the assembly process and preventing backlash, while maintaining a secure attachment that absorbs dimensional and positional errors.
Implementation Method 1
a protrusion having an elastic force to press-contact the erected wall surface of the attachment protrusion
Implementation Method 2
a spring disposed at the first member so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside, locked at one end part on the first member, locked at the other end part on the protrusion of the operation member, and biases the operation member to bring the lock mechanism into the locked state
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining device includes: a first member attached to one of a seat back and a seat cushion and having an attachment protrusion with an erected wall surface; a second member fitted into the first member and attached to the other member of the seat back and the seat cushion; a lock mechanism that controls relative rotation of the first and second members; an operation member that controls the lock mechanism; a spring disposed at the first member and biases the operation member; and a spring cover covering the spring, the spring cover having an elastic protrusion that can press-contact the erected wall surface of the attachment protrusion of the first member.