Rotary Lock Mechanism with Inertial Release for Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanisms for controlling rotating components in vehicle seats, such as backrests, leg rests, and armrests, are prone to failure, require separate mounting locations, and lack secondary functions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional rotary lock mechanism that includes a control ring with helical grooves and offset bearings, allowing manual and automatic control of the recline angle, with an inertial release feature for emergency situations, and supporting multiple functions like tray table engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional push button actuators coupled to remote locking devices are used, then the mechanism can control rotating components, but the device complexity increases due to separate mounting locations for actuator and locking device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator and locking device into a single integrated mechanism. The control ring with cam surfaces directly engages with locking balls that are part of the same assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations. The cam surfaces on the control ring directly actuate the locking balls to engage or disengage from slots in the rotating component, merging what were previously separate functions into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control ring serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism and the locking mechanism. By incorporating cam surfaces that directly control the locking balls, the control ring performs both the motion control and the position locking functions that were previously handled by separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mechanisms are used, then the actuator can release the locking device, but the adaptability decreases due to inability to incorporate secondary functions
Solution Approach 1:
The control ring is designed to perform multiple functions beyond simple locking and releasing. The cam surfaces can be configured to control different locking balls at different positions, enabling the mechanism to control multiple rotating components or to provide both locking and positioning functions. This multi-functionality allows the same basic structure to adapt to various secondary functions without requiring additional separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic control ring that can rotate to different positions, with each position activating different cam surfaces that control different locking balls. This dynamic configuration allows the mechanism to adapt its locking behavior based on the rotational position of the control ring, enabling versatile control of multiple components or multiple locking positions within a single integrated structure.
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
Enhances the reliability and safety of seat components by enabling precise manual control, automatic override for emergency situations, and integration of secondary functions like tray table support, reducing the risk of injury and improving passenger comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the automatic release device may include an inertial mass on a trigger arm movable by inertial forces to move the second collar to the second rotational position
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock mechanism for controlling a rotating component including an outer shaft attachable to a stationary component and having a slotted ring defining capture slots and an interior annular space, a control ring having a first end disposed in the annular space, an inner shaft attachable to a rotating component configured to rotate relative to the stationary component, and the inner shaft engaged with a second end of the control ring, a first collar rotatably disposed around the slotted ring, the first collar having a plurality of release recesses, and a plurality of first bearings respectively retained within the capture slots beneath the first collar. In a first rotational position of the first collar, the plurality of release recesses align with the capture slots to rotationally disengage the rotating and stationary components. In a second rotational position of the first collar, the plurality of release recesses misalign with the capture slots to rotationally engage the rotating and stationary components.