Foldable Seat Backrest Indicator Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indicator apparatuses for foldable rear seat backrests in vehicles require complex and costly constructions to move an indicator element between non-indication and indication positions, posing a risk of injury and compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A spring element is fixedly connected to both the handle and indicator element, allowing for elastic deformation when the handle is unlocked, enabling the indicator element to move between positions without handle actuation and providing protection against external forces by deflecting into a guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex construction is used to move the indicator element between positions, then the indicator element can be moved in a positive-locking manner, but the construction cost increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the transmission element from a rigid positive-locking mechanism to a flexible spring element that can elastically deform. This allows the indicator element to move between locked and unlocked positions through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical locking, reducing construction complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rigid mechanism that locks the indicator element in position, the patent inverts the approach by using a spring element that naturally returns to its original position after deformation. The spring element is deformed during handling to move the indicator element, then automatically returns, eliminating the need for complex positive-locking construction
2Ease of manufacture
If the indicator element protrudes outward in the indication position, then it provides clear visual indication, but it poses a risk of injury to passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the indicator element dynamic by connecting it to a spring element that allows controlled movement. The indicator element can protrude outward for clear visual indication when needed, but can be automatically retracted by the spring force when not in use or when external force is applied, thus providing both clear indication and safety by reducing injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of a protruding indicator element into a benefit by using the same protruding mechanism for clear visual indication while incorporating a spring element that can quickly retract it. The spring element acts as a safety mechanism that transforms the hazard of a fixed protruding element into a dynamic system that provides both indication and protection
3Manufacturing precision
If the indicator element is moved by the handle through a complex mechanism, then the indicator element can be positioned accurately, but the assembly expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex positive-locking mechanism from the transmission system and replaces it with a simple spring element. The spring element naturally provides the necessary positioning accuracy through its elastic properties and guide constraints, eliminating the need for expensive complex assembly while maintaining manufacturing precision
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 simplifies the construction, reduces costs, enhances safety by preventing injury from a protruding indicator, and ensures safe operation by allowing the indicator to retract upon external forces, thus improving overall operating safety.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element can be deformed in an elastic manner when the handle is located in the unlocked position and the indicator element is moved out of the indication position into the non-indication position
Implementation Method 2
the indicator element can be moved against a spring force into its non-indication position
Implementation Method 3
it causes it to deflect in the event of any other force being applied, so that the operating safety of the indicator apparatus is increased
Data Source
AI summary
An indicator apparatus for signaling that a foldable backrest of a seat in a motor vehicle is not locked includes a handle pivoted between a locked position and an unlocked position about a pivot axis, a locking apparatus having a catch that, by working of the handle can be moved between a blocked position and an unblocked position, and an indicator element guided between a non-indication position and an indication position and movable by a transition element. The transmission element comprises a spring element that is fixedly connected both to the handle and to the indicator element. The spring element is resistant to deformation as the indicator element is moved by the handle, but can be deformed in an elastic manner when the handle is located in the unlocked position and the indicator element is moved out of the indication position into the non-indication position.