Vehicle Seat Bracing Pawl Coupling for Manual Emergency Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats that can be transferred from a use position to an entry position either manually or by an electric motor are complex and costly, requiring additional unlocking mechanisms for emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a bracing pawl that locks beyond self-locking action, allowing decoupling from the drive apparatus without an additional unlocking mechanism, using a spring-loaded pawl that opens with a defined actuating force, such as pressing the backrest upper edge, enabling manual transfer in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional coupling apparatus with separate unlocking mechanism is used, then the coupling can be securely locked, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function and unlocking function into a single integrated bracing pawl mechanism. The bracing pawl itself serves as both the locking element and the unlocking element, eliminating the need for separate unlocking mechanisms such as Bowden cables or additional levers. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining secure locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing pawl is designed to perform both locking and unlocking actions through its own movement and interaction with the counter-element. The pawl's bracing action against the counter-element during normal operation automatically maintains the locked state, and the same pawl can be actuated to release the lock without external unlocking mechanisms, making the system self-sufficient.
2Extent of automation
If an electric motor drive is used, then the seat transfer is automated, but the system fails when energy supply is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling apparatus is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to function in both automated and manual modes. The bracing pawl can be actuated by the drive apparatus during normal automated operation, and the same mechanism can be manually actuated when energy supply is interrupted, providing adaptive functionality that maintains reliability across different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing pawl mechanism is pre-configured to provide a mechanical backup for the electric motor drive. By having the pawl-based coupling apparatus ready in advance with its self-locking capability, the system ensures that manual operation is immediately available if the electric motor fails, without requiring additional emergency mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for coupling and unlocking, then the locking function is robust, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (locking, bracing, and unlocking) into a single bracing pawl component that interacts with a counter-element. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs while the robust bracing action between the pawl and counter-element maintains the reliability of the locking function.
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
This design reduces costs and simplifies emergency access by eliminating the need for additional unlocking mechanisms, ensuring easy access to the vehicle interior even in power failures.
Implementation Method 1
the pawl and the counter-element can be locked to one another beyond the self-locking action
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a seat part, a backrest, a kinematics system for transferring the vehicle seat from a use position into an entry position and back, a drive apparatus for driving the kinematics system, and a coupling apparatus for coupling the drive apparatus to the kinematics system. The coupling apparatus has a pawl and a counter-element. The pawl and the counter-element are locked to one another in order to couple the drive apparatus to the kinematics system, wherein the pawl is released from the counter-element by an actuation of the coupling apparatus, resulting in the drive apparatus being decoupled from the kinematics system. The pawl is configured as a bracing pawl, and the pawl and the counter-element are locked to one another beyond a self-locking action.