Vehicle Seat Articulation Return Mechanism for Complete Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulation systems for vehicle seats fail to ensure both articulations are completely locked in the rest position without actuation and are prone to damage from opposing forces.
Innovation Solution
A dual-action return device allows the manoeuvring member to return to its neutral position independently of the control members, enabling both articulations to be locked without actuation and preventing damage by using a helical spring and guide hub mechanism, which also allows for compact design and easy manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control members are connected through a connecting bar with angular clearance, then the articulations can be unlocked by a single manoeuvring member, but the control members cannot be completely in the rest position simultaneously leading to incomplete locking
Solution Approach 1:
A dual-action return device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the manoeuvring member and the control members. This device includes a return member arranged between the fittings and a manoeuvring member returned to neutral position by the dual-action return device, ensuring synchronized positioning of both control members in the rest position simultaneously, thereby achieving complete locking of both articulations.
2Productivity
If the manoeuvring member is directly connected to control members, then unlocking is achieved, but the manoeuvring member may be damaged by significant opposing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-action return device with return member arranged between the fittings provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and managing opposing forces before they can damage the manoeuvring member. The return member acts as a protective element that prevents direct transmission of harmful forces to the manoeuvring member while maintaining the unlocking function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control members are connected with angular clearance, then some movement freedom is provided, but the control members may not be perfectly positioned leading to one articulation locked and the other unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-action return device provides feedback control by mechanically ensuring that both control members return to their rest positions simultaneously. The return member arranged between the fittings creates a coupled system where the position of one control member influences the other, providing self-correcting feedback that ensures precise simultaneous positioning without requiring high manufacturing precision.
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
Guarantees correct locking of both articulations without external actuation and prevents damage during misuse, enhancing safety and reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the control members of the two articulations each being urged in a resilient manner into the locked position by a return member arranged between the fittings
Implementation Method 2
said manoeuvring member being returned to the neutral position by a dual-action return device in a second direction opposing the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Articulation system comprising first and second articulations, each comprising two fittings which are pivotable relative to one another and a locking mechanism which comprises a control member which is mobile between a locked position and an unlocked position, the control members each being urged in a resilient manner into the locked position by a return member, a manoeuvring member which is mobile in rotation between a neutral position, a position of misuse and an actuating position, in order to unlock the control members when said manoeuvring member is displaced in a first direction, said manoeuvring member being returned from the position of misuse and the actuating position into the neutral position by a dual-action return device.