Seat Assembly Ignition Switch Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies in off-highway vehicles do not effectively integrate a mechanism to automatically enable or disable the ignition system based on the presence or absence of an operator, leading to potential unauthorized vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a resilient web and a switch actuator that moves between non-actuating and actuating positions in response to an operator's weight, engaging a switch to open or close the ignition circuit, ensuring the ignition system is disabled when the operator is not present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch actuator is integrated into the seat assembly to automatically control the ignition system, then the security against unauthorized operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch actuator is integrated into the seat assembly structure, merging the ignition control function with the existing seat components. The actuator is mounted to the resilient web at the rear portion of the seat, and its elongated rigid member extends to engage the switch at the front portion, combining multiple functions into a unified assembly that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly automatically detects the operator's presence through the resilient web deflection and self-actuates the ignition switch without requiring separate control mechanisms. The switch actuator responds automatically to web deflection, enabling the system to control itself based on operational conditions.
2Reliability
If the switch actuator uses an elongated rigid member extending from the rear to front portion of the seat, then the operational reliability is improved, but the length of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch actuator utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the seat structure, extending from the rear portion where it is mounted to the resilient web to the front portion where it engages the switch. This dimensional arrangement allows the actuator to effectively transmit the deflection force from the resilient web to the switch while utilizing the existing spatial framework of the seat assembly.
3Measurement precision
If the resilient web is mounted at the side portions of the seat to detect operator presence, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient web serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the seat cushion, enables operator presence detection through deflection, and directly actuates the ignition switch through the switch actuator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors and actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise operator presence detection.
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 solution provides a secure method to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation by ensuring the ignition system is only enabled when an operator is seated, enhancing safety and security features in off-highway vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient web supported by the seat frame, the web adapted for movement between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition in which the web is deflected with respect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat
Implementation Method 2
the switch includes a biasing member biasing the first and second parts away from each other, and the switch actuator applies a compressive force to the biasing member through the second part of the switch in response to the switch actuator moving into the actuating position, such that the biasing member deflects to permit the second part of the switch to move with respect to the first part of the switch
Data Source
AI summary
A seat includes a seat frame and a resilient web supported by the seat frame. The web is adapted for movement between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition in which the web is deflected with respect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat. A switch actuator is mounted to the web and is movable between a non-actuating position when the web is in the at rest condition and an actuating position when the web is in the deflected condition. A switch is mounted to the frame, the switch includes first and second parts movable with respect to each other to open and close an electrical circuit in response to the switch actuator moving between the non-actuating and actuating positions. A distal end of the switch actuator engages the switch at least when the switch actuator is in the actuating position.