Vehicle Seat Hinge Mechanism with Integrated Collet Brake
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms for vehicle seats are bulky due to the presence of additional housings and braking arrangements that are not designed as modular components, leading to increased dimensions and weight.
Innovation Solution
A compact hinge mechanism is designed with a friction ring press-fitted in the collet of the first frame, where the brake unit is partially contained within the collet, and features a brake coil spring and unlocking/locking stop elements to control the rotation, allowing for a more compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake unit with additional housing is attached to the hinge mechanism, then effective braking control is achieved, but the overall dimensions and weight of the mechanism increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake unit is merged with the collet structure, where the braking components are integrated into the existing collet housing rather than being attached as a separate unit. This combines the braking function with the existing structural element, achieving effective braking control without adding to the overall dimensions of the hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake components including the friction ring and brake coil spring are nested within the collet structure. The friction ring is press-fitted inside the collet, and the brake coil spring is positioned within the same space, utilizing the internal volume of the collet to house the braking mechanism without increasing external dimensions.
2Reliability
If a brake unit with additional housing is attached to the hinge mechanism, then effective braking control is achieved, but the weight of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake unit shares the collet structure with the hinge mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate housing and reducing the total amount of material required. By combining the braking function with the existing collet, the weight increase is minimized while maintaining effective braking control.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake components are nested within the existing collet volume, utilizing space that would otherwise be empty. This nesting approach avoids adding external components and minimizes the additional weight by using the same structural envelope for both the collet and brake unit.
3Volume of moving object
If the brake unit is integrated within the collet, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but the brake unit must be compact and efficiently arranged
Solution Approach 1:
The brake components are arranged in a nested configuration within the collet, with the friction ring press-fitted inside the collet and the brake coil spring positioned within the same space. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall dimensions while keeping the brake unit design straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet structure serves multiple functions: it houses the control member, provides structural support for the hinge mechanism, and contains the brake unit components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate housings and simplifies the overall arrangement of the brake unit within the integrated structure.
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 reduces the overall dimensions and weight of the hinge mechanism while maintaining effective braking and rotational control, making it suitable for vehicle seats without the need for additional bulky components.
Implementation Method 1
a brake coil spring (20) which comprises a winding (21) centered around said first axis and exerting friction against a friction ring (18)
Implementation Method 2
a friction ring (18) which is press-fitted in the collet (30) of the first frame (7)
Data Source
AI summary
Hinge mechanism comprising first and second frames rotatably mounted relative to one another, the first frame comprising a collet, a control member rotatably mounted in the collet of the first frame and controlling a relative rotation between the two frames, and a brake unit comprising an operating member connected to the control member with angular play. The brake unit is housed in the collet of the first frame and fitted with a braking member adapted to brake the control member when the operating member is not activated and to allow the operating member to rotationally drive the control member.