Vehicle Seat Fitting Backlash Compensation via Offset Latches

The patent introduces an asymmetric offset of the latch relative to the center point of the first fitting part. This asymmetric positioning creates a moment arm that generates a tilting effect on the latch during engagement, which compensates for torsional backlash while maintaining complete engagement of the latch with the toothed ring.

The latch is designed to tilt dynamically during engagement rather than remaining perfectly parallel. This dynamic tilting motion allows the latch to compensate for backlash variations while maintaining full engagement strength, transforming a static alignment problem into a dynamic solution.

The patent optimizes the parameters of existing latches (offset distance, tilting angle, cam geometry) to maximize their load-bearing capacity and crash resistance. By carefully selecting these parameters, the fitting achieves high strength with a moderate number of latches rather than requiring a large number of latches.

The latches are pre-loaded through spring elements that apply radial force before any external load is applied. This preliminary action ensures that the latches are already engaged and tilted in the optimal position to resist external loads, including crash forces, without requiring additional latches.

The latch tilting mechanism is self-regulating through the interaction between the latch geometry and the toothed ring. As the latch engages with the teeth, the geometry automatically guides the latch into the correct tilted position without requiring high-precision pre-alignment during manufacturing. The engagement process itself creates the proper orientation.

Eccentric cams are introduced as intermediary elements that facilitate the tilting motion of the latches. These cams provide a mechanical guide that translates the engagement force into the desired tilting motion, reducing the precision requirements for direct latch-to-toothed-ring alignment during manufacturing.