Vehicle Seat Back Tilting Device with Dynamic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat tilting devices face challenges in maintaining optimal structural strength for impact resistance tests while being easy to mount, maneuverable, and aesthetically concealed, especially with three-point seat belts that require the backrest to transition smoothly from a seated to a sleeping position without interfering with the user's position.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a tilting member with a rounded end guided between parallel lugs of a blocking member, connected by a rod, where the locking mechanism is strengthened by a crank-operated handle that disengages the tilting member from its locking position, allowing for easy tilting and return, with a spring-assisted return mechanism to maintain the backrest in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the locking mechanism is strengthened to withstand impact forces, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through the action of the release member. The blocking member is designed to be held in a locked position by normal forces but can be dynamically disengaged when force is applied to the release member, allowing the backrest to tilt. This dynamic behavior enables strong locking during normal use while allowing easy operation when needed.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism provides strong blocking force, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release member acts as an intermediary element that controls the blocking member. Instead of directly manipulating the blocking member to unlock it, the user operates the release member which then causes the blocking member to disengage. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable locking through the blocking member while simplifying user interaction through the release member, managing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the tilting mechanism is designed for easy maneuverability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the blocking member for providing blocking force, the release member for controlling the blocking member, and the tilting member for executing the tilting motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the blocking member for strength, the release member for ease of operation, and the tilting member for maneuverability - while working together as an integrated system.
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 device ensures easy maneuverability and adaptability to various seats, withstands traction forces during impact tests, and is easily concealed, providing a strong locking mechanism proportional to the tilting force while allowing smooth transitions between seated and sleeping positions with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
a device for tilting the back of a seat (17) comprising a support (19), a tilting member (20) initially held in a first position, called initial position, by a blocking member (9), said tilting member (20) comprising a support surface (23) adapted to bear against a complementary surface (24) of the blocking member (9), said support surface (23) being formed in an end of the tilting member (20), a spring (16) arranged to exert a force on the tilting member (20) in order to return the tilting member (20) to its initial position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tilting device for the back (8) of a vehicle seat from a first so-called sitting position of the seat to a second so-called lying position of the seat, comprising a tilting member (17) secured to the back and pivotally mounted about a shaft (18) secured to a fixed bearing (2), wherein the tilting member is maintained in the first position by a blocking member (9), one end (21) of the tilting member (17) comprising a recess for receiving a portion of the blocking member (9), a surface of the housing being adapted for bearing against a complementary surface of the portion of the blocking member (9). The reception housing consists of a notch formed on the edge of the end (21), which is configured so as to cover, on a portion of its circumference, the portion of the blocking member (9) pivotally mounted about a shaft (18) secured to the fixed bearing (2). The edge of the end (21) on which the notch is formed is selected so that a traction on the seat back in the sitting position increases the pressure of the end (21) against the blocking member (9).