Vehicle Seat Push-Button Actuation With Occupancy-Locked Recline Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats with energy storage and release mechanisms often result in unintended movement, posing safety risks and requiring excessive effort for operation, especially when occupants are present.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical actuator system with a first and second actuator, coupled with an energy storage device, that allows controlled movement of the seat using push buttons, and an energy bypass mechanism to prevent unintended release when occupied, enhancing safety and reducing operational effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an energy storage and release mechanism is used to facilitate seat reconfiguration with reduced input force, then ease of operation is improved, but unintended movement occurs posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses weight sensors to detect whether the seat is occupied and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit then selectively enables or disables the energy storage device based on this feedback, preventing unintended movement when occupied while maintaining ease of operation when unoccupied.
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit acts as an intermediary between the weight sensors and the energy storage device. It processes sensor signals and controls the engagement/disengagement of the energy storage device, mediating between safety requirements and operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a recliner mechanism is used to allow seat back adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but excessive effort is required to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is pre-loaded with stored energy that is released to assist the recliner mechanism during operation. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for the user to apply excessive force during seat back adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical operation with an electro-mechanical system. The energy storage device (electromotor) substitutes for manual mechanical effort, providing powered assistance to the recliner mechanism while maintaining mechanical adjustment capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the seat is designed to cycle back to fully dumped position and return to design position to re-engage recliner, then energy storage device can be reset, but safety issues arise from unintended release
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting seat occupation status before allowing energy storage device operation. Weight sensors detect occupancy and the control unit prevents energy release when occupied, countering potential harmful unintended movement before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Weight sensors provide continuous feedback to the control unit about seat occupation status. This feedback mechanism ensures the energy storage device only operates when safe to do so, preventing harmful unintended release while maintaining the ability to reset the system.
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 system enables easy, safe, and efficient operation of vehicle seats by preventing unintended movement and reducing the effort required for adjustments, while ensuring safety by locking energy release when the seat is occupied.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor, such as a weight sensor, is provided in the seat base and is adapted to detect weight on the seat base
Implementation Method 2
A second sensor, such as a weight sensor, is provided in the seat back and is adapted to detect weight on the seat back
Implementation Method 3
A microprocessor is provided which is adapted to control the energy storage device in response to an electrical signal from the first sensor or the second sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a seat back pivotably coupled to a seat base by a seat recliner mechanism such that the seat back can be pivoted in a forward and rearward direction relative the seat base. The seat includes a track assembly coupled to the vehicle and the seat, such that the seat can be moved in the forward and rearward directions relative to the vehicle interior. The seat further includes an actuator mechanism having a first actuator that includes a push button located on the seat and an actuator in electrical communication with the push button, A force transmitting device has one end connected to the actuator and a second end connected to the seat recliner mechanism, such that energizing the actuator actuates the force transmitting device to release the seat recliner mechanism and move the seat between a use and a tipped and forward position.