Vehicle Seat Back Adjuster With Integrated Pawl Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat back adjustment systems require additional installation space and increased structural weight and costs due to the need for a separate drive to actuate the blocking mechanism, which also prolongs the adjustment time.
Innovation Solution
A functional unit for adjusting a vehicle seat back that incorporates a spring-loaded pawl system and a fixed blocking element with a freewheel cutout, allowing the tooth segment to pivot freely and activate the blocking mechanism without an additional drive, thus optimizing installation space and reducing weight and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate drive is added to actuate the blocking mechanism, then the blocking function is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blocking mechanism with the existing pinion adjuster assembly. The tooth segment is integrated into the pinion adjuster, and the pawl system is mounted on the functional support, eliminating the need for a separate drive mechanism while maintaining reliable blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth segment serves multiple functions: it transmits rotational movement from the pinion to the seat back, and simultaneously acts as a blocking element when engaged by the pawl system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If a separate drive is added to actuate the blocking mechanism, then the blocking function is improved, but the structural weight and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is merged with the existing pinion adjuster components. The tooth segment that already exists for movement transmission is also used for blocking, and the pawl system utilizes the functional support structure, thereby avoiding additional weight from separate drive components.
3Reliability
If a separate drive is added to actuate the blocking mechanism, then the blocking function is improved, but the adjustment time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is integrated into the pinion adjuster assembly, allowing the blocking and movement functions to be controlled by the same drive motor. This eliminates the need for sequential operation of separate drives, thereby reducing adjustment time.
4Device complexity
If the tooth segment is fixed to the seat adapter unit, then the structure is simplified, but the blocking mechanism cannot be actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth segment is designed with rotational freedom on the bearing journal, allowing it to pivot when the pawl system engages. This dynamic capability enables the blocking mechanism to be actuated while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 enables compact installation, reduces structural weight and costs, and shortens the adjustment time by eliminating the need for a separate drive to actuate the blocking mechanism, while ensuring crash-proof and play-free locking of the seat back movement.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking mechanism has a spring-loaded pawl system and a fixed blocking element
Data Source
AI summary
A functional unit adjusts a seat back of a vehicle seat and contains a functional support with an electrical pinion adjuster arranged thereon for moving the seat back, a blocking mechanism for blocking the backrest movement, and a seat adapter unit for securing to a seat substructure. The functional support has an upright bearing pin which forms a backrest rotational axis for the backrest movement together with the seat adapter unit. The blocking mechanism has a pawl system and a fixed blocking element. The pawl system is rotatably mounted on the functional support and has two blocking positions for blocking the backrest movement at opposing end sides of the blocking element. A rotatably mounted tooth segment is arranged on the bearing pin, which has a segment toothing engaged with the pinion adjuster and a protrusion. The blocking element has a recess for the tooth segment with two end-side stops.