Vehicle Seat Escape Mechanism Using Coil Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flip-up mechanism for vehicle seats, which uses a spiral spring, is space-consuming and difficult to assemble, particularly due to the spiral spring's location near the rotation shaft.
Innovation Solution
A seat cushion escape mechanism that includes a support leg part with one end connected to the seat cushion frame and another end connected to the base part, a guide part to lift the support leg, and coil springs providing biasing forces to flip up the seat cushion and rotate the support leg forward, allowing for a space-saving design and easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spiral spring is used in the flip-up mechanism, then the seat cushion can be flipped up, but the mechanism becomes space-consuming and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spiral spring from the mechanism and replaces it with a coil spring, which eliminates the space-consuming nature of the spiral spring while maintaining the flip-up function. The coil spring is positioned differently and has a more compact structure that reduces overall mechanism volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a link as an intermediary component that connects the coil spring to the seat cushion frame. This link acts as a mediator that transmits the elastic force from the coil spring to achieve the flip-up motion, while also enabling a more compact arrangement of components.
2Ease of operation
If a spiral spring is used in the flip-up mechanism, then the seat cushion can be flipped up, but the assembly becomes difficult due to the spiral spring's location near the rotation shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spiral spring from its problematic location near the rotation shaft and replaces it with a coil spring that is positioned differently. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the assembly difficulty while preserving the functional requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The link serves as an intermediary that connects the coil spring to the seat cushion frame, allowing the spring to be positioned in a more accessible location that facilitates easier assembly. The link mediates the force transmission while enabling better component placement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat cushion is rotated to the escape position, then the walk-in mechanism is canceled, but the seat back cannot rotate to the fully tilted-down position without the cancel mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the walk-in cancel mechanism with the existing seat position control mechanisms. The cancel operation lever integrates with the seat cushion rotation mechanism, and the lock claw works in conjunction with the slide lock mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the required functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock claw serves multiple functions: it locks the slide lock mechanism during normal operation and enables the seat back to rotate to the fully tilted-down position when the seat cushion is in the escape position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms.
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 mechanism enables a space-saving seat cushion escape mechanism with simplified assembly, ensuring smooth operation and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring applying a biasing force so as to have the one end guided by the guide part and flip up a portion connected with the frame
Implementation Method 2
a second coil spring provided on the second rotation shaft to apply a biasing force so as to rotate the one end of the support leg part forward around the second rotation shaft
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a seat for vehicles in which a seat cushion escape mechanism can be space-saving, the seat having an escape mechanism to shift a seat cushion frame disposed on a base part from a seating posture to an escape posture with the frame placed forward of the base part includes: a support leg part having one end rotatably connected to the frame and the other end rotatably connected to the base part; a guide part to be engaged with the one end of the support leg part to guide the one end so as to lift the one end; a coil spring biasing the support leg part so as to have the one end guided by the guide part and flip up a portion connected with the frame; and a second coil spring which is provided at the other end and applies a biasing force so as to rotate the one end of the support leg part forward with the other end as a center.