Seat Back Pivot Assembly Self-Locating Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat back pivot assemblies require a unique tool to unhook the pawl or hook plate from the seat bushing assembly for removal or servicing, making the process cumbersome and tool-dependent.
Innovation Solution
A seat back pivot assembly with a floor mounting bracket featuring a keyhole-shaped slot and a shoulder bolt with specific width and diameter dimensions, along with alignment tabs, allows for self-locating and easy assembly/disassembly without the need for special tools, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism for automatic insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pawl or hook plate is used to hold the seat bushing assembly in the floor mounting bracket, then the seat back pivot assembly can be securely assembled, but a unique tool is required to unhook the pawl or hook plate for removal or servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The seat bushing assembly incorporates a self-locating feature that automatically engages with the floor mounting bracket without requiring external tools for assembly or disassembly. The complementary geometric shapes enable the components to self-align and self secure through their own structural features, eliminating the need for pawls, hook plates, or unique service tools.
2Reliability
If a pawl or hook plate mechanism is used, then the seat bushing assembly can be retained in the floor mounting bracket, but the complexity of the assembly increases and servicing becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pawl or hook plate components from the assembly entirely, retaining only the essential seat bushing assembly and floor mounting bracket. The retention function is achieved through the self-locating geometric features inherent in the remaining components, eliminating unnecessary parts and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locating feature is integrated directly into the seat bushing assembly and floor mounting bracket structures, merging the retention function with the existing components rather than adding separate retention mechanisms. This consolidation reduces part count and simplifies servicing procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard mounting methods are used, then the seat back pivot assembly can be assembled, but special tools are required for disassembly and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The complementary geometric shapes of the self-locating feature enable the seat bushing assembly to be installed and removed by hand without requiring special tools or equipment. The design allows servicing personnel to easily manipulate the components using only manual force, significantly improving ease of repair and maintenance.
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 effortless assembly and disassembly of the seat back frame to the floor pan without requiring unique tools, ensuring easy servicing and maintenance while maintaining secure pivotal mounting.
Implementation Method 1
The seat bushing assembly includes a shoulder bolt, a bushing and a spring
Implementation Method 2
spring loaded seat bushing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A seat back pivot assembly includes a floor mounting bracket and a seat bushing assembly. The floor mounting bracket includes a receiver having an entry end, a locating end and a neck between the entry end and the locating end. The seat bushing assembly includes a shoulder bolt, a bushing and a spring. A shoulder on a head end of the shoulder bolt is received and held in the locating end of the receiver when the seat back pivot assembly is fully assembled.