Vehicle Seat Backrest Lever Linkage for Synchronous Folding Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular seat backrest adjustment and release systems are complex, unreliable, and prone to malfunctions due to the asynchronous operation of 'Master' and 'Slave' devices, leading to slow and inefficient folding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compact and reliable system where the inclination adjustment lever is positioned on the 'Slave' device, with a release lever and adjustment lever that rotate about parallel axes, allowing simultaneous engagement and release, enabling efficient folding and adjustment of the backrest by applying torque to either lever, and utilizing a return mechanism and actuator for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Master-Slave device system is used for backrest folding, then the backrest can be released for folding, but the system becomes complex and prone to malfunctions due to asynchronous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Master and Slave devices into a single integrated mechanism. The release lever (12) and adjustment lever (14) are combined into one unified system with a single axis of rotation, eliminating the need for separate Master-Slave devices and their associated complexity. This single mechanism performs both the releasing and adjusting functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both the Master device (releasing the backrest) and the Slave device (adjusting the backrest inclination). The release lever (12) and adjustment lever (14) work together to provide both folding and inclination adjustment capabilities through a unified system rather than separate devices.
2Productivity
If Master and Slave devices operate asynchronously, then the backrest can be folded, but malfunctions occur and the folding is slow and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the releasing and adjusting functions into a single mechanism with one axis of rotation, the patent ensures that both operations occur simultaneously and synchronously. The release lever (12) and adjustment lever (14) are mechanically linked, so when one moves, the other moves in coordination, eliminating the timing issues and malfunctions associated with asynchronous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mechanism is designed so that the releasing action and adjusting action are prepared and executed together through the single axis of rotation. The levers are positioned and configured in advance to ensure that when the user operates the system, both the release and adjustment functions are activated simultaneously, preventing delays and malfunctions.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustment lever is positioned on the Master device, then the inclination can be adjusted, but the system requires complex coordination between Master and Slave devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions both the release lever (12) and adjustment lever (14) on the same support structure (10) with a single axis of rotation. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate Master and Slave devices, and the coordination between them becomes inherent in the single mechanism rather than requiring complex external coordination systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The system for adjusting and releasing a folding backrest of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises: a support structure (10) to be associated with the frame of the seat; a release lever (12) pivoted to a first point of the support structure and rotatable about a first axis of rotation (x-x); an adjustment lever (14) pivoted to a second point of the support structure (10) and rotatable about a second axis of rotation (y-y), which is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation (x-x). The adjustment lever (14) is adapted to take, with respect to the support structure (10), an angular release position in which the backrest is free to move into a substantially folded position relative to the seat cushion. The release lever (12) and the adjustment lever (14) are reciprocally shaped in a manner such that the release lever (12) and the adjustment lever (14) can be put into: an engaged condition, wherein they are mutually constrained in rotation, and wherein the adjustment lever (14) is prevented from moving into the angular release position, so that a user can adjust the inclination of the backrest by applying a torque to the adjustment lever (14), and a released condition, obtainable by rotating the release lever (12) relative to the support structure (10), wherein the release lever (12), as it rotates, brings the adjustment lever (14) into the angular release position.