Vehicle Seat Easy-Entry Mechanism With Decoupled Rail Unlocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat easy entry mechanisms require actuation of the latch to pivot the backrest beyond the easy entry position, which can be cumbersome and limit the flexibility of seat adjustment without unlocking the pair of seat rails.
Innovation Solution
The easy entry mechanism incorporates a rotatably mounted pawl on a rotating ring with a tension element, actuated by a Bowden cable connected to the locking device of the seat rails, allowing the backrest to be pivoted freely without engaging the latch, and a freewheel mechanism decouples the adjustment lever from the easy entry function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch is actuated to pivot the backrest beyond the easy entry position, then the backrest can be adjusted beyond the easy entry position, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the latch actuation function from the backrest adjustment mechanism. The pawl is separated from the adjustment lever, allowing the backrest to be pivoted beyond the easy entry position without requiring latch actuation. This extraction eliminates the cumbersome operation of coordinating latch release with backrest movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: the pawl for easy entry position detection, the adjustment lever for backrest pivoting, and the latch for seat rail unlocking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation.
2Measurement precision
If the pawl is positioned to detect the easy entry stop, then the easy entry position can be detected, but the pawl may interfere with backrest movement beyond this position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the pawl and the backrest movement. The pawl detects the easy entry stop position precisely, while the adjustment lever acts as an intermediary that allows continued backrest pivoting beyond this detected position without interference from the pawl-latch engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pawl-latch engagement to a dynamic arrangement where the pawl can detect the easy entry position while the adjustment lever independently controls backrest movement. This dynamic separation allows the system to maintain precise position detection while adapting to a broader range of motion.
3Extent of automation
If the adjustment lever is connected to the latch, then the latch can be actuated during backrest adjustment, but this couples the adjustment functions and reduces operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment lever from the latch connection. The adjustment lever is now connected only to the backrest, allowing independent control of backrest positioning. The latch remains connected to the seat rails, maintaining its locking function independently. This segmentation provides operational flexibility where each function can be controlled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the pawl automatically detects the easy entry position through its interaction with the easy entry stop, without requiring intervention from the adjustment lever or latch. This self-service detection mechanism operates independently, enhancing the versatility of the adjustment system.
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
This design enables the backrest to be adjusted and folded into an easy entry position without unlocking the seat rails, providing enhanced accessibility and flexibility in seat configuration without the need for latch actuation, improving user convenience and operational separation of functions.
Implementation Method 1
a first Bowden cable for actuating the easy entry actuating element, one end of which is arranged in the easy entry mechanism in a Bowden cable receptacle of the easy entry actuating element, whereas the other end is connected to the easy entry triggering element
Implementation Method 2
a tension element which is fixedly arranged on the rotating ring, wherein the tension element has a Bowden receptacle for one end of a second Bowden cable arranged in the easy entry mechanism, the other end of which is in operative connection with the locking device of the pair of seat rails
Implementation Method 3
a freewheel mechanism which decouples the adjustment lever from the easy entry function
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat (100), particularly a motor vehicle seat having a backrest (14), which can be pivoted about a backrest pivot axis (14A), at least one pair (200) of seat rails for adjusting the seat length of the vehicle seat (100), and a locking device (200A) for locking the at least one pair (200) of seat rails, wherein there is at least one lockable fitting (15) for deflecting the backrest (14) relative to a seat part (12), and the backrest (14) can be pivoted into an easy-entry position, which can be assumed for easier accessibility to a row of seats, wherein the vehicle seat (100) has an easy-entry mechanism (M), which comprises a latch (24), arranged on a drive element (50), which can be captured by an easy-entry stop (14A) arranged on the backrest (14) during pivoting of the backrest (14) into the easy-entry position and can thereby follow the motion of the backrest (14). According to the invention, the latch (24) is moved by an easy-entry actuating element (30) from an easy-entry stop (14A) initial position (I) to an easy-entry stop (14A) actuating position (II), in which the latch (24) can be captured by the easy-entry stop (14A), wherein the easy-entry actuating element (30) prompts movement of the easy-entry actuating element (30) upon actuating of an easy-entry triggering element (11), which is operatively connected to the easy-entry actuating element (30), such that the easy-entry actuating element (30) moves the latch (24), in the actuating position (II) thereof, by an operative connection between the latch (24) and the easy-entry actuating element (30), to the easy-entry stop (14A) actuating position (II).