Seat Back Table Locking Mechanism for Multi-Angle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional table locking mechanisms for seat backs in vehicles protrude, compromising aesthetics and increasing manufacturing costs due to the use of gas springs, which also lead to potential passenger knee interference.
Innovation Solution
A table locking apparatus with a base, shaft, actuating arm, locking arm, and guide pin system that allows for adjustable angle locking without a separate gas spring, using gear teeth and elastic biasing to secure the table at multiple stages, minimizing space and preventing knee interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gas spring is used to unfold and maintain the table, then the table can be easily unfolded and maintained, but the table protrudes from the seat back and interferes with passenger knees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking arm can move between engaged and disengaged states with the actuating arm. This allows the table to be held at multiple angular positions dynamically, enabling easy adjustment while maintaining a compact profile that prevents knee interference when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking arm with gear teeth, an actuating arm with corresponding gear teeth, and a holding unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving smooth operation without requiring a bulky gas spring.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a gas spring is used to maintain the table, then the table can be held in position, but the external appearance is deteriorated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and positioning functions into a single integrated mechanism. The locking arm with gear teeth engages with the actuating arm's gear teeth to simultaneously provide positioning stability and locking capability, eliminating the need for a separate gas spring and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-sustaining through the engagement of gear teeth between the locking arm and actuating arm. Once engaged, the mechanism maintains position stability without requiring external power sources or additional components like gas springs, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a gas spring is used to unfold the table, then the table can be maintained in extracted state, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive gas spring with a simpler, more cost-effective locking mechanism using basic mechanical components such as gear teeth, arms, and a holding unit. These components are easier and cheaper to manufacture while still achieving the required extracted state maintenance functionality.
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 apparatus allows for adjustable angle locking of the table, reducing space requirements and eliminating the need for a gas spring, thus enhancing aesthetics and lowering production costs while preventing passenger knee interference.
Implementation Method 1
the locking arm includes locking gear teeth formed in an end portion thereof and elastically biased toward the shaft and the locking gear teeth is configured to be selectively engaged with the actuating gear teeth by a rotation of the actuating arm
Implementation Method 2
the locking arm includes locking gear teeth formed in an end portion thereof and elastically biased toward the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for locking a table of a seat back to selectively secure the table in multiple stages, may include a base, a shaft coupled to the base and the table, an actuating arm fastened to the shaft and rotatable with the shaft, the actuating arm having actuating gear teeth, a locking arm rotatably provided on the base, wherein the locking arm includes locking gear teeth and the locking gear teeth is selectively engaged with the actuating gear teeth by the actuating arm such that when the actuating arm is rotated in a forward direction, the actuating gear teeth is engaged with the locking gear teeth or pass over the locking gear teeth according to rotational degree of the actuating arm, and a locking arm holding unit co-axially coupled with the actuating arm to the base and selectively activated by the actuating arm.