Retractable Pivot Pin Assembly for Vehicle Seatback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating assemblies with pivotable seatbacks often require complex and expensive assemblies to establish the pivotable relationship between the seatback and the riser, lacking efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A retractable pivot pin assembly with a pin-guide surface having an angled portion and a lip surrounding the pin-receiving aperture, combined with a compression spring mechanism that biases the pin to an extended state, allowing the pin to retract within a housing and pivotably attach the seatback to the riser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pivotable seatback assembly is used, then the seatback can pivot relative to the riser, but the assembly becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential pivotable function from a complex traditional assembly and implements it using a simple retractable pin mechanism. The pin can be manually inserted or removed to enable or disable pivoting, separating the pivotability function from complicated structural assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex assembly to enable pivoting, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple pin that, when removed, enables pivoting. The default state is fixed, and removing the simple pin component provides the pivotable operation, reversing the conventional logic.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional pivotable seatback assembly is used, then the seatback can pivot relative to the riser, but the assembly becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive pin as the primary mechanism for enabling pivotability. The pin is a basic mechanical component that can be easily manufactured and replaced, significantly reducing the cost compared to complex traditional assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential function needed for pivotability and implements it with a minimal component set, eliminating unnecessary expensive parts and complex manufacturing processes associated with traditional assemblies.
3Device complexity
If a retractable pin is used to simplify the assembly, then the complexity is reduced, but the pin must automatically retract during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The pin mechanism is designed to be self-servicing during insertion. As the pin is inserted into the seatback, it automatically retracts through its own motion and the forces generated during insertion, eliminating the need for separate retraction mechanisms or complex control systems.
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 solution simplifies the attachment mechanism while maintaining the pivotability of the seatback, reducing costs and complexity by using a retractable pivot pin assembly that automatically adjusts its state during insertion, enabling efficient and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring defining a pin channel and including a first end and a second end; The pin further comprises a collar extending out from the cylindrical shaft; A portion of the pin is disposed within the pin channel and the first end of the compression spring abuts the collar; The compression spring biases the pin to the extended state
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises: a floor pan; a riser attached to the floor pan, the riser comprising a pin-guide surface at least partially surrounding a pin-receiving aperture, the pin-guide surface having an angled portion; and a seatback comprising a retractable pivot pin assembly, which includes a pin; inserted into the pin-receiving aperture of the riser; wherein, the pin is inserted into the pin-receiving aperture; and wherein, during the insertion of the pin into the pin-receiving aperture, the pin first contacts the angled portion of the pin-guide surface while the pin is in an extended state. During the insertion of the pin into the pin-receiving aperture, as the pin moves toward the pin-receiving aperture, the angled portion of the pin-guide surface forces the pin toward a retracted state within the retractable pivot pin assembly.