Vehicle Seat Fold Mechanism with Cam-Controlled Auto-Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat folding mechanisms require user activation to return the seat back to the upright position and require simultaneous activation of the sliding track mechanism, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a rotatably connected seat back and seat base with a cam surface and spring member, allowing the seat back to pivot and the seat base to translate independently, enabling the seat back to be easily folded and returned to the upright position without actuating the seat release mechanism, utilizing a cam surface with specific angles and regions to control the motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat back is folded and returned to upright position using existing mechanisms, then the seat back can be moved between positions, but the process requires simultaneous activation of seat release mechanism and sliding track mechanism making it cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface is configured to automatically control the seat base translation and seat back rotation sequence. When the seat back is folded, the cam surface geometry automatically causes the seat base to translate along the track before the seat back rotates to upright position, eliminating the need for user activation of release mechanisms and achieving self-service operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface is designed to perform the seat base translation action before the seat back rotation to upright position. This preliminary action of translating the seat base along the track prevents interference during the unfolding process and simplifies the overall operation sequence
2Productivity
If the seat base translates and seat back rotates simultaneously during unfolding, then the mechanism can return to upright position, but this requires complex coordination of multiple mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The unfolding motion is segmented into two distinct sequential phases: first the seat base translates along the track, then the seat back rotates to upright position. The cam surface geometry enforces this segmentation, allowing each motion to occur independently in sequence rather than requiring simultaneous coordinated action of multiple mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface creates a dynamic sequence where the seat base translation and seat back rotation occur in a specific temporal order. The cam profile ensures that translation happens first, followed by rotation, providing automatic dynamic coordination without complex control systems
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
Simplifies the operation of folding and unfolding the seat by allowing the seat back to be easily moved to a folded position for easy entry and automatically returning to the upright position without user input, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member is connected to the arm and the one of the seat base and the seat back
Implementation Method 2
An arm is rotatably coupled to one of the seat base and the seat back, with the arm defining a cam surface... The cam surface is shaped such that the seat base translates with respect to the track before the seat back rotates towards the upright position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly has a seat base, a seat back rotatably connected to the seat base and movable between an upright position and a folded position. An arm has a first end region connected to the seat base and a second end region defining a cam surface. A follower such as a pin is connected to the seat back and fixed relative thereto. The follower engages the cam surface when the seat back is in the folded position.