Vehicle Seat Actuator Bowden Cable Locking Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking systems lack a clear and visible indicator for the locking state, making it difficult for users to determine if the seat is properly locked, especially in rear seats where the locking mechanism is complex and involves multiple components.
Innovation Solution
The integration of two indicators linked to the Bowden cables and their casings, which interact with the actuating unit to provide a logical OR function for displaying the unlocked state and an AND function for the locked state, allowing for a visible overall indicator on the vehicle seat's operating lever, ensuring the seat is securely locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking fittings are used in the vehicle seat system, then the locking reliability is improved, but the complexity of indicating the locking state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual locking state indicators into a single integrated overall indicator that displays the collective locking status of multiple fittings. This merging approach maintains reliable indication of all locking states while simplifying the indicating system by reducing the number of separate indicators needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The overall indicator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates the locking state of multiple different fittings (latch lock and rail lock), provides a unified visual signal, and can display both locked and unlocked states through a single component rather than requiring separate indicators for each fitting.
2Loss of information
If individual indicators are provided for each fitting, then the locking state of each component can be monitored, but the overall indicator becomes difficult to locate and observe
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the indication functions of multiple fittings into a single overall indicator positioned in the upper area of the backrest, the patent ensures that all locking state information is consolidated in one easily visible location, eliminating the need for users to search for multiple分散ed indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a distributed spatial arrangement of individual indicators to a centralized vertical arrangement in the upper backrest area. This dimensional repositioning places the overall indicator in a high-visibility zone that is easily observable by the user regardless of seating position.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism involves multiple components and Bowden cable transmissions, then the locking reliability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the locking state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Bowden cables as intermediary elements that transmit the locking state information from the remotely located fittings to the overall indicator. These cables act as mediators that convey mechanical movement and position data, enabling reliable detection of locking states without requiring direct mechanical connection between all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by mechanically linking the position of Bowden cable cores to the overall indicator through the actuating unit. When fittings change their locking state, this movement is transmitted through the Bowden cables and immediately reflected in the overall indicator's position, providing real-time feedback on the locking status of all components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (71) for a vehicle seat, comprising a handle (41) for jointly actuating two locks (23), a force transfer between the handle and each lock, a first indicator (51) associated with the first force transfer, and a second indicator associated with the second force transfer, wherein the two indicators each indicate the respective locking status of the associated lock, and the two indicators actuate an overall indicator (61) by means of a logical OR function in order to visibly indicate the unlocked state. The force transfer is preferably formed from Bowden cables (43).