Vehicle Seat Backrest Tilting Mechanism with Synchronized Motorized Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat backrest systems lack efficient mechanisms for adjustable tilting and locking, compromising user comfort and safety, especially in accident scenarios where manual adjustment is difficult or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a pivotally mounted backrest with a hinge mechanism controlled by a resiliently biased control member, actuated by an electric control device that allows motorized adjustment and locking, ensuring safe and comfortable tilting positions through synchronized operation with a motorized adjustment device and anchoring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual hinge mechanism is used for backrest tilting, then the structure remains simple, but user comfort and safety are compromised due to difficulty in adjustment during accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical hinge mechanism with an electrically actuated system. An electric motor drives a screw mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion of the control member, which then actuates the hinge mechanism. This substitution enables automated backrest adjustment while maintaining the mechanical locking function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control member as an intermediary between the electric motor and the hinge mechanism. This control member translates the motor's rotational movement into the linear motion required to unlock and relock the hinge mechanism. The intermediary component enables coordinated operation between the electric actuator and mechanical locking system, achieving both ease of operation and controlled complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the backrest is made fully adjustable for comfort, then user comfort improves, but structural stability and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the hinge mechanism can transition between locked and unlocked states based on operational needs. The control member, driven by the electric motor, dynamically adjusts the engagement of locking elements with positioning notches. This dynamic capability allows the backrest to be fully adjustable when needed while maintaining reliable locking positions, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning through pre-defined locking notches in the hinge mechanism. Before the backrest reaches its desired position during adjustment, the locking elements are pre-positioned to engage with these notches, ensuring stable and reliable locking. This preliminary action ensures that the backrest maintains its adjusted position securely, addressing the reliability concern while preserving full adjustability.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is added to ensure safety during accidents, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates self-locking features through its design, where the locking elements automatically engage with positioning notches when the backrest reaches specific angles. The resilient biasing elements provide automatic locking without requiring additional complex control systems. This self-service capability enhances reliability during accidents while minimizing the addition of complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locking function with the adjustment mechanism itself. The same control member that enables backrest tilting also controls the locking and unlocking of the hinge mechanism. By combining these functions into a single integrated system actuated by one electric motor, the patent achieves improved reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 user-adjustable and motorized tilting of the backrest while maintaining mechanical strength, ensuring comfort and safety by allowing controlled tilting and locking positions, even in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
said control member further being resiliently biased towards the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
System including a vehicle seat comprising a seating portion, a backrest pivotally mounted on the seat by a lockable hinge mechanism, the seat further comprising a motorized adjustment device connected to the backrest independently of the hinge mechanism. An electric control device synchronously controls the hinge mechanism and the motorized adjustment device.