Remote Mechanical Seat Dump Assembly with Cable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles with second and third row seats require expensive and unreliable electro-mechanical systems for remote actuation of seat dump mechanisms, which are not effective in all seating positions due to the need for wiring and switches, especially when using cable systems.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical seat dump assembly with a remote actuator, a fixed track, and a carriage with a spool and cable system that allows for fore/aft adjustment, utilizing a mechanical latch and biasing elements to lock the spool and activate the seat dump mechanism, eliminating the need for electromechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electro-mechanical remote actuation system is used, then the seat dump mechanism can be actuated remotely, but the system becomes expensive and unreliable due to wiring and switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electro-mechanical actuation system with a purely mechanical cable-based system. The remote actuator uses a cable running through a series of pulleys and levers to mechanically transmit the dumping force to the seat latch mechanism, eliminating wires, switches, and electrical components entirely. This substitution maintains remote actuation capability while dramatically improving reliability by removing fragile electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of cables, pulleys, and linkages that transmit the actuation force from the remote actuator to the seat dump mechanism. This mechanical intermediary replaces the electrical signal transmission path, providing a robust physical connection that works reliably across all seat positions without requiring electrical contacts or flexible wiring.
2Reliability
If a cable system is used for remote actuation, then the system becomes simpler and more reliable, but it cannot function properly in all seating positions due to cable tension issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a cable tensioning device with an adjustable anchor point and a series of articulated linkages that can adapt their geometry. As the seat moves fore and aft along the track, the cable routing and linkage angles automatically adjust to maintain proper cable tension and geometric relationships, ensuring the mechanical advantage remains effective across the full range of seat positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable parameters in the cable system, including a movable cable anchor point on the carriage that can be repositioned to maintain optimal cable tension. The mechanical linkages also allow for parameter adjustments in their effective lengths and pivot points, enabling the system to adapt to different seat positions while maintaining the cable-driven actuation mechanism's effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If electro-mechanical components are used, then remote actuation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to wiring and switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electro-mechanical components with simpler, cheaper mechanical elements. The cable-driven system uses inexpensive steel cables, basic pulleys, and simple lever mechanisms instead of costly motors, wiring harnesses, switches, and control electronics. These mechanical components are not only cheaper to manufacture but also easier to service and replace if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat dump assembly includes an actuator, a seat dump mechanism remote from the actuator, a mechanical seat adjustment accommodation device, a first cable connecting the actuator to the mechanical seat adjustment accommodation device and a second cable connecting the mechanical seat adjustment accommodation device to the seat dump mechanism.