Vehicle Seat Articulation Locking with Dual-Action Return Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulation systems for vehicle seats fail to ensure both articulations are completely locked in the absence of actuation and are prone to damage from opposing forces, leading to incomplete locking and potential damage to the manoeuvring member.
Innovation Solution
A dual-action return device is used to return the manoeuvring member to its neutral position independently of the control members, allowing for complete locking without actuation and preventing damage by allowing displacement in a misuse direction without affecting the control members, utilizing a helical spring and guide hub for compactness and ease of manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the manoeuvring member is fixed to control members with angular clearance, then one articulation can be unlocked, but the other articulation remains unlocked even in the rest position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-action return device as an intermediary mechanism between the manoeuvring member and the control members. This device includes a return member with opposite ends that can push the control members in opposite directions, ensuring both articulations are reliably locked in the rest position while still allowing unlocking when actuated. The intermediary device mediates the force transmission to achieve synchronized locking of both articulations.
2Ease of operation
If the manoeuvring member is directly connected to control members, then unlocking is achieved, but the manoeuvring member may be damaged by opposing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a return member that can be compressed to absorb opposing forces before they reach the manoeuvring member. The return member acts as a cushioning element that deforms under excessive force, protecting the manoeuvring member from damage while still allowing normal unlocking operation. This preventive measure is built into the system design to handle misuse scenarios.
3Reliability
If complex means are used to ensure both articulations lock correctly, then locking reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves synchronized locking of both articulations using a single dual-action return device that performs multiple functions: it returns the manoeuvring member to the neutral position, pushes both control members to the locked position, and protects against opposing forces. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms for each articulation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
Ensures both articulations are correctly locked without actuation and can be unlocked by a single manoeuvring member, preventing damage to the mechanism, while maintaining compactness and ease of manufacturing.
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
the dual-action return device comprises a first helical spring having two end tabs and a guide hub in which the manoeuvring member is received substantially without clearance
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 maneuvering 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 maneuvering member is displaced in a first direction, said maneuvering member being returned from the position of misuse and the actuating position into the neutral position by a dual-action return device.