Vehicle Seat Control Assembly with Catch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat adjustment systems require continuous user interaction to maintain a seat at a lowered position, making it difficult for easy entry and exit from vehicles, especially in space-constrained cabs, and pose challenges in accessing components for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A valve-control assembly with a control button featuring a catch mechanism that secures the pneumatic control valve in an actuated position, allowing the seat to be automatically lowered to a minimum height with a single action, and a removable cover structure for easy access to maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional seat adjustment system uses continuous user interaction to maintain seat position, then the seat can be positioned accurately, but the operation complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control button is pre-configured with a catch mechanism that automatically engages when the button is pressed, preliminarily preparing the locking action before the valve completes its actuation. This allows the seat to be lowered with a single press without requiring continuous user interaction to maintain the lowered position
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism on the control button provides self-service by automatically securing the button in the actuated position and maintaining the valve in the open configuration without requiring continuous user engagement. The system serves itself by using the button's own structural features (catches) to maintain the adjusted state
2Ease of repair
If the cover structure is permanently fixed to protect internal components, then component protection improves, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure transitions from a static, permanently fixed state to a dynamic, removable state. The cover can be easily detached by releasing the control button, which triggers the catch mechanism to disengage, allowing access to internal components for maintenance while maintaining protection during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure is segmented into removable portions that can be separated from the main assembly. The control button assembly is divided into detachable components (cover, button, catch mechanism) that can be independently accessed and maintained without disassembling the entire seat adjustment system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a valve-control assembly for a vehicle seat that includes a pneumatic control valve configured to control at least one seat adjustment function. A control switch is configured to operate the pneumatic control valve, and a cover structure is arranged to one or more of at least partly cover the pneumatic control valve or at least partly surround the control switch. The control switch includes a first tab, and the cover structure includes a second tab. The first tab is configured to engage the second tab, when the control switch is actuated by a predetermined amount, to secure the control switch against movement and thereby secure the pneumatic control valve in an open configuration.