Seat Depth Adjustment Mechanism with Rotating Locking Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat depth adjustment mechanisms in vehicles face issues such as increased effort required for operation, potential damage from incomplete button activation, and separate button and locking parts leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A seat depth adjustment mechanism featuring vertical bearings, a combined button and locking part as a single unit, and a safety lock system with springs and retaining elements to reduce effort and prevent damage, allowing for ergonomic control and easy assembly/disassembly without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If linear contact operation is used between actuator and metal piece, then the system can be assembled, but abrasions occur affecting operation and increasing effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional linear contact mechanical operation with a rotational operation mechanism. The actuator rotates a metal piece rather than moving linearly, and the locking arm rotates to engage/disengage from fixing holes. This substitution reduces linear friction and abrasion while maintaining assembly capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate button and locking parts are used, then the system can be assembled, but additional parts are needed and potential damage occurs from incomplete activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the button and locking part into a single integrated locking arm component. The locking arm itself serves as the actuating element - when rotated, it directly engages with or disengages from the fixing holes in the level adjustment part. This eliminates the need for separate buttons and locking parts, reducing component count and assembly complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the button is not pulled fully to the last level, then operation is incomplete, but permanent damage may occur from continuous incomplete operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a safety lock mechanism that provides feedback control. The locking arm has a specific rotational path with defined engagement positions. When the locking arm is rotated, it either fully engages with a fixing hole (locked position) or fully disengages (unlocked position). The mechanism prevents intermediate positions where the locking arm might be partially engaged, providing clear feedback to the user about the operational state and preventing damage from incomplete activation.
4Ease of operation
If vertical bearings are added to the control direction, then user effort is reduced and ergonomics improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotational operation mechanism where the locking arm rotates around a pivot point rather than moving linearly. This rotational motion naturally provides ergonomic advantages by allowing the user to apply force in a more natural circular arc motion. The rotation itself acts as a mechanical advantage system, reducing the effort required compared to linear pulling or pushing motions.
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 mechanism allows for comfortable and efficient seat depth adjustment with reduced user force, prevents damage from incomplete button activation, and simplifies assembly/disassembly by integrating the button and locking parts, enhancing user experience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking spring which returns the locking arm to its initial position when the user force applied to said locking arm is removed
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The invention is a seat depth adjustment mechanism which is used in the vehicle seats and provides the adjustment of the seat depth of the seat (1) positioned on the frame (18) fixed to the vehicle. Said mechanism comprises a seat (1), movement channel (111), arm movement space (112), locking arm (2), fixing protrusion (21), left locking spring (3), right locking spring (4), arm and button fixing element (5), shaft connector retainer (6), shaft connector (7), button (8), retaining element (9), shaft (10), slide (13), connector (14), return spring (15), seat fixing element (16), fixing element (17), frame (18), level adjustment part (19), and fixing hole (191).