Seat Detection Mechanism With Swivel Actuation for Low Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art detection devices for vehicle seats are inefficient due to friction issues caused by off-centre actuating forces, leading to variable detection levels and complex, large designs, which are not tolerant of force application point variations.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a movable operating device connected by sliding and swivel connections, featuring off-centre pressing points and a contact surface that acts directly on the electric contact, minimizing friction through a leverage effect and adjustable displacement factors, ensuring consistent detection thresholds regardless of force application points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the actuating force is applied off-center with respect to the axis of movement of the push-button, then the detection device can accommodate various force application points, but friction is generated at the guiding surface and may block the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetry by positioning the pressing point off-center with respect to the axis of movement. This asymmetric configuration allows the operating device to swivel around the pressing point, transforming off-center force applications into effective axial movements that actuate the electric contact reliably regardless of where the force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the operating device dynamic by enabling it to swivel relative to the body around the off-center pressing point. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to various force application points and directions, converting them into effective actuating movements that maintain consistent detection levels.
2Reliability
If efficient guiding means and resistant materials are used to remedy butting problems, then the detection device can handle off-center forces, but the overall dimensions become large and the device becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex symmetric guiding means to constrain the push-button, the invention uses a simple asymmetric swivel connection with an off-center pressing point. This approach naturally handles off-center forces through the swiveling motion without requiring additional guiding components, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by allowing the operating device to swivel rather than constraining it to move strictly along the axis. This inversion transforms the problem of handling off-center forces from a constraint issue into a natural motion characteristic, eliminating the need for complex guiding means.
3Reliability
If numerous intermediate actuating means are used between the operating device and electric contact, then butting problems are remedied, but the device becomes complex to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the operating device and the force transmission mechanism into a single integrated component. The operating device itself acts as the force transmission element by directly actuating the electric contact through its swiveling motion, eliminating the need for separate intermediate actuating means and thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliable force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple intermediate components to transmit force from the push-button to the contact, the invention inverts the approach by making the push-button itself the direct actuator. The swiveling operating device directly engages the electric contact, eliminating intermediate components and simplifying the force transmission path.
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 provides consistent detection performance by minimizing friction and optimizing the detection mechanism, allowing efficient operation across various force application points without the need for costly materials or large dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a great deal of friction is generated at the level of the guiding surface between the push-button and casing and may even go as far as blocking the mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device comprises a body (1) comprising an electric contact (3) with at least two electric operating states and a movable operating device (2) having at least two operating positions. The movable operating device (2) is connected to the body (1) by a sliding connection allowing movement of the movable operating device (2) in translation and by at least one swivel connection enabling the operating device (2) to swivel with respect to the body (1) around a pressing point (P). A change of position of the movable operating device (2) is designed to actuate the electric contact device (3). The pressing point (P) is positioned between the movable operating device (2) and the body (1), and the movable operating device (2) is designed to actuate the change of electric operating state of the electric contact (3) by pressing directly on a contact surface (31) of said electric contact.