Vehicle Seat Folding Element Locking With Auto-Engaging Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding element locking mechanisms in passenger vehicle seats are complex, heavy, and lack reliability and safety, particularly in the event of a crash, as they often require complex attachment systems and do not guarantee the tray remains locked in the raised position.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight locking device comprising a fixed and rotating element with a locking structure that engages through openings, utilizing an elastic return device or magnetized system for auto-engagement, ensuring the tray remains securely locked in the raised position without complex attachment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex attachment systems are used to lock the tray in the raised position, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking element with a locking surface, a rotating element with a rotation axis, and an elastic return device. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve reliable locking without requiring a complex integrated attachment system. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex attachment systems by using a simple locking element that engages with a locking surface on the rotating element. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining locking reliability, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If complex attachment systems are used to lock the tray in the raised position, then the locking reliability is improved, but the weight of the locking device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential elements needed for reliable locking: a locking element, a rotating element with locking surface, and a minimal elastic return device. This extraction eliminates the weight of unnecessary attachment system components while preserving the core locking function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, lightweight components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The elastic return device uses a simple spring mechanism rather than complex mechanical systems, significantly reducing weight while maintaining functional reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is installed free to slide, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining the locked position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable during the locking operation, allowing easy engagement by sliding along the rotation axis. Once locked, the elastic return device maintains the locked position reliably. This dynamic design allows the system to achieve both ease of operation and reliability by being movable during operation but stable during locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return device automatically maintains the locking element in the locked position without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms. The spring-based system self-regulates to keep the locking element engaged with the locking surface, providing reliable position maintenance while keeping the operation simple.
4Reliability
If a rigid locking element connected to a spring is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the force required to move the folding element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable rather than rigidly fixed, allowing it to slide freely along the rotation axis during operation. This dynamic design reduces the force needed to move the folding element while the elastic return device ensures reliable locking engagement when the element reaches the locked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state of the locking element from a fixed rigid connection to a movable sliding connection, and uses an elastic return device to provide the necessary locking force. This parameter change allows the system to achieve reliable locking with minimal operational force, resolving the contradiction between reliability and force requirement.
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 solution significantly reduces the number and weight of parts, enhances passenger safety by preventing accidental tray disengagement during crashes, and improves ergonomics by minimizing space occupied on the seat.
Implementation Method 1
a locking element (6), installed free to slide on said fixed element along a direction parallel to said rotation axis, comprising means of auto-engagement in said at least one first locking structure of said rotating element, when said rotating element is in a position in which said openings of said rotating element and said fixed element are facing each other
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an elastic return device or magnetized system for auto-engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A device for locking a folding element in position for a vehicle seat including: a fixed element, designed to be fixed to the vehicle seat, a rotating element, designed to be fixed to the folding element, installed free to rotate relative to the fixed element about a rotation axis (X), the rotating element comprising at least a first locking structure, and a locking element, installed on the fixed element and that can be moved between a locking position in which it locks the rotating element in rotation relative to the fixed element by at least partial engagement of the locking element in the at least one first locking structure of the rotating element, and a release position in which it allows free rotation of the rotating element from the fixed element by release of the locking element in the at least one first locking structure of the rotating element.