Vehicle Seat Forward Pivot Mechanism with Easy-Entry Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing easy-entry systems for vehicle seats lack a simplified mechanism to limit the pivoting range of the seat backrest effectively, which can lead to unsafe conditions during longitudinal adjustment and loading operations.
Innovation Solution
A forward pivoting mechanism incorporating a comfort locking device and an easy-entry latch with a spring-loaded easy-entry pawl that limits the pivoting range, featuring a soft lock interaction to ensure the seat backrest is securely locked in place, preventing further forward pivoting until the vehicle seat is moved to a rear position, and allowing controlled movement between seating and loading positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat backrest is allowed to pivot freely forward without a limiting mechanism, then the easy-entry function and loading floor position are improved, but unsafe conditions occur during longitudinal adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The easy-entry latch applies a preliminary stopping action to prevent the seat backrest from pivoting beyond the forward position. The latch engages with the end stop before unsafe conditions can occur, creating a preventive barrier that counteracts excessive forward movement during longitudinal adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The easy-entry latch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the seat backrest and the end stop. It mediates the interaction by engaging with the end stop to limit the pivoting range, thereby controlling the seat backrest's movement without requiring direct intervention from the operator.
2Reliability
If the easy-entry latch is made switchable with a locking mechanism, then the pivoting range is effectively limited, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The easy-entry latch is designed to be spring-loaded, allowing it to automatically engage with the end stop and limit the pivoting range without requiring manual intervention. The spring mechanism provides self-service functionality, where the latch automatically returns to its limiting position after being actuated, reducing the need for complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the soft lock force is made greater than the longitudinal adjustment force, then the seat backrest is securely locked, but the seat cannot be moved to rearward position
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two states: during normal longitudinal adjustment, the soft lock allows movement; when the seat backrest reaches the forward position, the easy-entry latch engages to create a temporary dynamic barrier. This dynamic behavior enables both secure locking and operational flexibility without permanent restriction.
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
Enhances user safety by ensuring the vehicle seat is securely positioned before the seat backrest is pivoted into a comfortable or loading position, preventing unsafe forward pivoting and allowing controlled longitudinal adjustment, thus improving the safety and usability of the easy-entry and loading functions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring element, in particular a bending spring, such as a coil spring, located in the area of the easy-entry latch's pivot axis, allows the easy-entry latch to be moved, in particular pivoted, into a position after the seat back has been unlocked
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a forward pivot mechanism (V) for positioning a seat back (1.1) of a vehicle seat (1) into at least one forward position (D, E) and for positioning the seat back (1.1) beyond the forward position (D, E) into at least one further forward position (L), – comprising a comfort lock for positioning and locking the seat back (1.1) into a least one seated position (A to C), and – comprising an easy-entry latch (5) for positioning the seat back (1.1) into the at least one forward position (D, E), wherein a pivot range of the seat back (1.1) into one of the forward positions (D, E) can be limited by means of the easy-entry latch (5), wherein the easy-entry latch (5) is designed in such a way that it forms a forward limit stop during the shifting of the seat back (1.1) from one of the seated positions (A to C) into one of the forward positions (D, E).