Seat Assembly Easy Entry Mechanism Adaptor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat assemblies in vehicles do not efficiently allow for easy entry and exit, particularly in three-door models, as they require modifications to the seat back frame design, limiting accessibility and requiring additional components.

Innovation Solution

A seat assembly design that includes an easy entry mechanism fixedly attached to the side member of the seat back frame, coupled with a recliner heart via an adaptor, allowing the side member to be interposed between the easy entry mechanism and the recliner heart, enabling the seat back to pivot independently and facilitating access without altering the back frame design between five-door and three-door vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an easy entry mechanism is added to existing seat assemblies, then accessibility and ease of entry/exit is improved, but device complexity and the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of entryVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The easy entry mechanism is merged with the existing recliner heart mechanism. The release mechanism integrates with the recliner heart's structural components, allowing the seat back to be released forward into an easy entry position without requiring a completely separate mechanism. This combining approach provides the easy entry function while minimizing additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the seat back frame design is modified to accommodate easy entry, then accessibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and adaptability between vehicle models deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidadaptability between vehicle models

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The easy entry mechanism is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into existing seat back frame designs used across multiple vehicle models including both five-door and three-door configurations. The mechanism attaches to the side member of the seat back frame without requiring fundamental design changes, allowing the same mechanism to serve multiple vehicle platforms and maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If additional components are added to enable easy entry, then ease of entry is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of entryVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The easy entry mechanism is designed as a segmented, modular assembly that includes a release mechanism, an adaptor, and integration points with the existing recliner heart. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be manufactured as separate components and then assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling production without requiring complete redesign of the seat back frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8657377B2Seat assembly with easy entry release mechanism

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a recliner assembly having an easy entry mechanism. The easy entry mechanism can be mounted to either an outboard or an inboard side of a seat back frame side member used in seat assemblies for both five-door and three-door vehicle models. The recliner assembly includes an adaptor to couple the easy entry mechanism to a recliner heart disposed on an opposite side of the seat back frame side member.