Seat device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat devices with interlocking mechanisms for converting between long and cross states are bulky, complex, and costly due to the need for a lock pin to restrain seat movement, which can lead to derailment when not engaged.
Innovation Solution
A seat device with a cam path and engagement portion on the base and seat, respectively, that maintains engagement along the cam path to regulate the seat's trajectory, combined with a switching portion at the cam path's branch point to guide the engagement portion, ensuring continuous engagement and preventing derailment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock pin is used to restrain seat advancement/retraction during rotation, then the seat can be locked in position, but the interlocking mechanism becomes bulky, complex, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from a separate lock pin component and integrates it into the cam path geometry itself. The cam path's shaped trajectory inherently provides the restraining force during rotation, eliminating the need for a distinct locking mechanism while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the guiding function and the locking function into a single integrated cam path structure. The cam path simultaneously guides the engagement portion through its trajectory and provides the necessary restraining forces to prevent derailment, combining multiple functions into one component.
2Reliability
If guide rail is disposed on all trajectories of the seat to prevent derailment, then the seat remains on track, but the interlocking mechanism becomes bulky and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the guidance function into discrete cam path segments rather than using continuous guide rails along the entire trajectory. The cam path is defined in specific regions where guidance is needed, reducing the overall amount of guiding structure required while maintaining trajectory adherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam path acts as an intermediary between the engagement portion and the base, providing guided movement through its shaped trajectory. This intermediary structure replaces extensive guide rails by mediating the movement through a compact, geometrically-defined path.
3Reliability
If a conventional interlocking mechanism with lock pin is used, then the seat can be restrained, but the configuration becomes bulky and leads to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the movement control function from a mechanical lock pin assembly and implements it through the cam path geometry. This eliminates the need for separate locking components, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from active mechanical locking to passive geometric constraint. By designing the cam path with specific trajectory parameters, the system achieves movement control through the shape of the path itself rather than through active locking mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing.
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 allows for easy and positive conversion between seat states without derailing, simplifying the interlocking mechanism and reducing costs by maintaining continuous engagement along the cam path, ensuring stable and efficient seat orientation changes.
Implementation Method 1
a cam path which is provided to one of the base and the seat, and regulates a trajectory of rotation or advancement/retraction of the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A seat device that can easily and positively achieve the conversion of the state of a seat. A leg stand (11) fixed on a floor surface, a movable stand (20) supported by the leg stand (11) so as to be able to advance/retract in front and back directions, an underframe (30) of the seat supported by the movable stand (20) so as to be rotatable in forward and backward directions, and an interlocking mechanism (50) that interlocks advancement/retraction of the movable stand (20) with rotation of the underframe (30) are included. The interlocking mechanism (50) includes a plurality of cam grooves (51) that are provided to the leg stand (11), and regulates the trajectory of rotation or advancement/retraction of the underframe (30), a rotary member (52) that is provided to the underframe (30), and is engaged with the cam grooves (51) so as to be movable along the cam grooves (51), the engagement being always maintained to at least any portion of the cam grooves (51), and a switching portion (53) that is provided at a branch point in the cam grooves (51), and can switch the direction to which the rotary member (52) is guided at the branch point.