Vehicle Seat Fitting System with Dual-Sided Locking and Prestressed Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat fitting systems for rear rows often rely on a single-sided lock, which may not provide adequate security or noise reduction, and fail to efficiently dissipate energy during crashes.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sided fitting system with a prestressed latch and lock mechanism, where the latch on one side is designed to move freely over an idle path, allowing the backrest to pivot without additional actuation forces, and locks in place during crashes to dissipate energy through torsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-sided lock is used in the fitting system, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the reliability and security of the fitting system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting system is segmented into two independent locking mechanisms: a lock on one side and a prestressed latch on the opposite side. Each side independently contributes to the overall security, distributing the reliability function across multiple components rather than relying on a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Each side of the fitting system has specialized local characteristics: one side features a lock for primary securing, while the opposite side features a prestressed latch for secondary securing and energy dissipation. This local differentiation optimizes the overall system reliability without requiring uniform complexity throughout
2Strength
If a rigid locking mechanism is used to prevent motion, then the strength and security are improved, but the ability to dissipate energy during crashes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prestressed latch is designed with controlled mobility through an idle path, allowing it to dynamically adjust during crashes. The latch can move along its idle path to absorb impact energy while maintaining securing function, transitioning from a static rigid lock to a dynamic energy-dissipating mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The idle path of the prestressed latch converts the harmful crash energy into beneficial controlled motion. During crashes, the latch moves along its idle path, dissipating impact energy through this controlled movement while still maintaining the securing function of the fitting system
3Manufacturing precision
If additional actuating elements are provided to control the latch, then the precision of latch control is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The prestressed latch is designed to open automatically through its own motion along the idle path during normal operation. The relative motion between the lock and opposing element naturally actuates the latch opening without requiring separate control mechanisms, achieving self-service operation
Solution Approach 2:
The prestressed latch is pre-configured with spring prestress and an idle path that enables automatic opening action. This preliminary configuration allows the latch to respond automatically to relative motions without requiring additional actuating elements during operation
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 system provides cost-effective, noise-reduced, and secure locking without additional actuation forces, enabling efficient energy dissipation during crashes and adaptable to various locking configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The prestressing of the latch prevents noise from being generated and compensates tolerances
Implementation Method 2
A prestressed latch cooperates with another opposing element and receives same on the other side of the vehicle seat located opposite the lock
Implementation Method 3
Energy can be dissipated by a specific torsion of the backrest
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting system (9) is provided for a vehicle seat (1), especially motor vehicle seat, which defines a pivot axis (A) of backrest and has a fitting lower part (11) and an associated fitting upper part (12) on both sides of the vehicle seat. Each fitting upper part (12) is pivotable relative to the associated fitting lower part (11) about the pivot axis (A) of the backrest. The system has, on one side of the vehicle seat, a lock (15) and an opposing element (16), which lock the fitting system (9) in a use position by cooperating. A prestressed latch (17), which cooperates with another opposing element (16), especially receives it, in the use position, is provided on the side of the vehicle seat that is located opposite the lock (15).