Rotating Vehicle Seat Locking Linked to Sliding Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat rotation locking mechanisms are inadequate in preventing external forces from damaging the rotation mechanism when the seat is moved in and out of the vehicle, and they often require additional actuators for unlocking and locking.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a rotation locking mechanism that includes a support base unrotatably positioned on the vehicle floor, a rotatable base coupled to the support base, and a sliding mechanism with a lock releasing portion that automatically switches between locking and unlocking conditions based on the sliding motion, preventing external forces from being transmitted to the rotation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rotation locking mechanism is used, then the seat main body can be locked at the laterally facing position, but external forces can still be transmitted to the rotation mechanism causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A lock releasing portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the sliding mechanism and the rotation locking mechanism. This lock releasing portion automatically disengages the engagement portions when the sliding mechanism moves, preventing external forces from being transmitted to the rotation mechanism while maintaining reliable locking during stationary periods
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state based on the sliding motion. The engagement portions are designed to automatically disengage when the sliding mechanism moves, making the locking mechanism adaptive to the operational state rather than remaining constantly engaged
2Reliability
If additional actuators are added to the rotation locking mechanism for reliable locking and unlocking, then the locking function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism itself serves the dual function of both moving the seat and controlling the locking mechanism. The movement of the sliding mechanism automatically actuates the lock releasing portion, which in turn controls the engagement portions, eliminating the need for separate actuators while maintaining reliable locking and unlocking functions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking control function is merged with the sliding mechanism. The lock releasing portion is integrated with the sliding mechanism such that the same mechanical movement that slides the seat also controls the locking state, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat may include a seat main body, a rotation mechanism that is arranged and constructed to horizontally rotate the seat main body between a forwardly facing position and a laterally facing position, a sliding mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism. The rotation locking mechanism is arranged and constructed to prevent the seat main body from rotating when the seat main body is in a laterally facing position. The rotation locking mechanism includes a first engagement portion, a second engagement portion, and a lock releasing portion. The second engagement portion is capable of moving between a condition in which it does not engage the first engagement portion and a position in which it engages the first engagement portion when the seat main body is in the laterally facing position. The lock releasing portion is arranged and constructed to be engaged with and disengaged from the second engagement portion depending upon the sliding motion of the sliding mechanism.