Vehicle Seat Backrest Folding Mechanism with Independent Hook Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle seats with a backrest that can be folded forward do not allow for the release of the fixing mechanism if the memory position within the longitudinal guide has not been reached, limiting flexibility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The integration of catch hooks and counter hooks that can be independently released, allowing the backrest to be held in a folded-forward position without requiring the memory device to engage, along with a mechanism where the locking device of the longitudinal adjustment engages only when the backrest is returned to its original position, ensuring the seat remains locked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking device is connected to the backrest via Bowden cable to always engage when backrest is in use position, then the locking is reliable, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking engagementVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the locking function from the backrest movement mechanism by introducing a separate memory device that independently controls the longitudinal guide locking. This separates the locking function from the backrest position control, reducing the complexity of the connection mechanism while maintaining reliable locking engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the catch hook is released from counter-hook by actuating the handle, then the backrest can be returned to original position, but the memory device may remain active causing the locking device to engage prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackrest position changeVSAvoidlocking device engagement timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic coordination between the catch hook release and memory device activation through the handle mechanism. The handle is designed to simultaneously release the catch hook from the counter-hook and activate the memory device, ensuring that the locking device engages at the appropriate moment when the backrest returns to its original position, preventing premature engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2254767B1Predisplaceable motor vehicle seat comprising a back rest articulated fitting and back rest articulated fitting
Publication Date: 2013.09.25 JOHNSON CONTROLS METALS & MECHANISMS GMBH & CO
  • EP2254767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2254767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2254767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a predisplacable motor vehicle seat, in particular a front seat of a motor vehicle, comprising only one door per vehicle side. Said seat comprises a back rest (20), a seat part (22) and a back articulated fitting (26) that connects the back rest (20) and the seat part (22). Said fitting comprises a) a backrest arm (28), b) a fitting lower part (30) that is connected to the seat part, c) an adjustment fitting (32) that is arranged between the backrest arm (28) and the seat part arm, and d) a fitting upper part (34) that is connected to the backrest (20) and that can be rotated about an articulated axis (33) of the adjustment fitting (32). A pawl (36) is articulated on the fitting upper part (34) and a catching part (42) is fitted to the backrest arm (28) and normally engages with the pawl (36) and prevents the backrest (20) from tilting forwards. A handle (48) mounted on the back rest (20) allows the forward tilting to be released, said handle (48) being connected to the pawl (36) and disengages from the catching part (42) when the pawl is actuated, such that the backrest (20) can be tilted forwards. A catch hook (56) is articulated on the fitting upper part (34) and a counter hook (58) is provided on the seat part arm. The catch hook (56) and the counter hook (58) only engage when the backrest (20) in the tilted forwards. The counter hook (58) is connected to a memory device (66) of an elongate guide that releases the counter hook (58) when a memorised position of the catch hook (56) is reached and the catch hook (56) is connected to the handle (48) and when the handle (48) is actuated, the catch hook (56) is released from the counter hook (58)