Disengageable Seat Articulation for Fast Backrest Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulation assemblies for vehicle seats cannot quickly transition to specific positions, such as accessing rear seats or converting to a shelf or berth, due to their complexity and lack of a compact, easy-to-manufacture design that supports both fine adjustment and rapid positioning modes.
Innovation Solution
An articulation assembly with a clutch mechanism guided by a release finger with male cams and a spring-loaded wave washer, allowing separation of the first element from the clutch disc for rapid movement, while maintaining fine adjustment capabilities through a drive control device and retaining ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a continuous joint assembly is used for fine adjustment of seat backrest inclination, then adjustment precision is improved, but the ability to quickly reach specific positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode for fine adjustment where elements are engaged, and a second mode for rapid positioning where elements are disengaged. This dynamic transition allows the system to optimize performance for either precision or speed depending on the operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by transitioning between engaged and disengaged states of the joint elements. This parameter change enables the joint to switch from a high-precision continuous adjustment mode to a rapid positioning mode, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a disengageable joint assembly is provided to achieve two modes of operation, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means for disengaging the joint elements are integrated within the joint assembly itself rather than being located externally. This merging of control functions into the joint structure reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to switch between operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly includes self-contained control means that enable it to switch between engaged and disengaged states without requiring external control systems. This self-service capability simplifies the overall device architecture while providing versatile operational modes.
3Ease of manufacture
If a compact and easy-to-manufacture joint assembly is designed, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to provide both fine adjustment and quick positioning modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly is divided into distinct segments or elements that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while enabling the complex dual-mode functionality when assembled together.
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
Enables a compact and user-friendly articulation system that can switch between fine adjustment and rapid positioning modes, enhancing accessibility and usability for vehicle seat configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the release disc being pushed axially towards the first element by means of the action of a spring
Implementation Method 2
the spring has the form of a wave washer housed in a circular groove machined in the support cup
Implementation Method 3
the release finger comprises a part in the form of an annular disc carrying male cams cooperating with female indentations made in the release disc ensuring the axial separation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an articulation assembly for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first element (3) and a second element (1) that are articulated with respect to one another about a rotation axis in a first rotation mode, a drive control device (8) for adjusting the relative position between the first element and the second element in rotation about the rotation axis (9), and a ring (2) which holds the first element (3), the second element (1) and the drive control device (8) together so as to form a fine-adjustment module for the inclination of the backrest of the seat, wherein, between the first element (3) and the holding ring (2), there is interposed an unlocking control means for ensuring a second operating mode, comprising a disengagement finger (5) which is guided in rotation in order to separate the first element (3) from a disengagement disc (4), the disengagement disc (4) being pushed axially towards the first element (3) under the action of a spring (7) which bears against a cup (6) held by the ring (2).