Vehicle Seat Detection Device Pivot Mechanism Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices for passenger presence on vehicle seats are sensitive to the geometric positioning of the actuation force, leading to variable detection thresholds and increased complexity due to friction issues, requiring expensive materials and optimized guide means.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a movable control member connected by off-center pivot links and a contact surface that acts directly on the electrical contact, minimizing friction by utilizing a lever arm effect and adjustable deflection factors to maintain consistent detection regardless of actuation force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the actuation force is applied off-center with respect to the axis of movement of the push button, then the detection device can accommodate various seating positions, but significant friction is generated at the guide surface which can block the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding guide mechanism with a pivot connection mechanism. Instead of the push button sliding along a guide surface, the control member pivots around a support point. This substitution eliminates the sliding friction problem while maintaining the ability to detect off-center actuation forces, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional mechanical arrangement by positioning the electrical contact on the movable control member rather than having the control member slide against a fixed contact. This inversion allows the control member to pivot freely without friction constraints, enabling detection of forces applied at various positions on the actuation surface.
2Reliability
If effective guide means are used to remedy buttresses problems, then the detection device can function properly, but resistant and expensive materials as well as optimized guide means are required resulting in significant clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex guide means by replacing the sliding mechanism with a pivot connection. This substitution removes the requirement for resistant materials and optimized guides, significantly simplifying the construction while maintaining reliable operation. The pivot connection naturally handles off-center forces without requiring additional guiding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the guide means from the detection device construction. By eliminating this component entirely and replacing it with a pivot connection, the device becomes less complex and uses fewer materials, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and construction complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous intermediate actuation means are used between the actuation member and the electrical contact, then the detection device can function with off-center forces, but the device becomes more complex to produce and larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control member and electrical contact into a single integrated unit. The electrical contact is positioned directly on the control member, eliminating the need for separate intermediate actuation means. This consolidation maintains the ability to detect off-center forces while significantly reducing production complexity and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chain of intermediate actuation means with a direct pivot connection mechanism. The control member pivots around a support point and directly actuates the electrical contact through this pivot connection, eliminating multiple intermediate components and simplifying both production and device structure.
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 solution ensures consistent detection thresholds and reduced complexity by minimizing friction and dependency on actuation force positioning, allowing for effective passenger detection without the need for expensive materials or complex constructions.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing friction by utilizing a lever arm effect
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a detection device including a body (1) that comprises an electrical contact (3) with at least two operational electric states and a mobile control member (2) having at least two operational positions. The mobile control member (2) is connected to the body (1) by a sliding connection that allows the translation movement of the mobile control member (2) and by at least one pivotal connection that allows the pivoting movement of the control organ (2) relative to the body (1) about bearing point (P). The position change of the mobile control member (2) results in the actuation of the electrical contact device (3). The bearing point (P) is positioned between the mobile control member (2) and the body (1), and the mobile control member (2) triggers a change in the operational electric state of the electrical contact (3) by pressing directly on a contact surface (31) of said electrical contact.