Seat Button Assembly With Tactile Feedback Latch Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies lack an effective mechanism for providing tactile feedback and efficient actuation of a latching mechanism to enable or disable movement of seat components, such as headrests, which is crucial for user convenience and safety.
Innovation Solution
A button assembly with a bezel and button that includes a ramp feature and feedback arm, which provides tactile feedback and engages a latching mechanism to allow movement of seat components when sufficient force is applied, utilizing a biasing member to facilitate actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button assembly with ramp feature and feedback arm is implemented, then tactile feedback is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback arm is integrated directly into the button structure, merging the actuation mechanism and feedback provision into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate feedback mechanisms while still providing the required tactile feedback to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp feature acts as an intermediary element between the button actuation and the latching mechanism. It translates the button's linear motion into the rotational or lateral motion required to engage or disengage the latch, while also providing the tactile feedback through its geometric profile.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a latching mechanism is used to secure seat components, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the button is released. The biasing member automatically returns the button to its engaged position, causing the latch to secure itself without requiring additional user action. This maintains stability while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-loaded to automatically return the button to its engaged position after actuation. This preliminary preparation of the biasing mechanism ensures that the latching action occurs automatically, eliminating the need for separate locking actions and improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a biasing member is added to assist button actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is integrated into the button assembly and automatically provides the necessary force to return the button to its engaged position. It serves itself by utilizing the natural elasticity or spring force to perform the work of re-engagement, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the button assembly is designed with multiple components, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback arm is merged with the button structure, reducing the number of separate components that require precise manufacturing. This integration maintains the tactile feedback functionality while reducing the cumulative tolerance requirements and simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 button assembly effectively provides tactile feedback to users, indicating successful actuation of the latching mechanism, allowing for easy and controlled movement of seat components, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member engages the cross member and the button and exerts a biasing force on the button
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly having a button assembly. The button assembly includes a bezel having a ramp feature and a button having a feedback arm that engages the ramp feature. Movement of at least a portion of a seat component is permitted when sufficient force is applied to the button.