Vehicle Seat Hinge Mechanism with Separate Control Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat hinge mechanisms do not effectively separate fold-flat and fold-and-tumble operations, leading to potential operating errors and inefficiencies in compacting the seat for space-saving and access purposes.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a reduced number of components, including an actuating lever, release lever, and deflection rod, which allows for separate control elements to manage fold-flat and fold-and-tumble processes through distinct actuation paths, preventing errors and enabling easy expansion from conventional mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hinge mechanism is used with combined control elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but operating errors occur due to inability to separate fold-flat and fold-and-tumble operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into separate control elements: a first control element for fold-flat operation and a second control element for fold-and-tumble operation. This segmentation allows independent control of each operation type, preventing operating errors while maintaining clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A deflection rod acts as an intermediary component that transmits the actuation force from the first control element through the actuating lever to the locking mechanism. This intermediary enables the fold-flat operation to be separately controlled without directly interfering with the fold-and-tumble control path.
2Reliability
If separate control elements for fold-flat and fold-and-tumble operations are implemented, then operating errors are prevented, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever combines multiple functions: it receives actuation from the first control element for fold-flat operation, transmits force through the deflection rod, and simultaneously engages with the release lever for fold-and-tumble operation. This merging reduces the need for separate transmission components for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating lever serves multiple purposes: it acts as a lever for the first control element, a transmission element via the deflection rod, and an engagement component with the release lever. This multi-functionality allows separate control elements to be implemented without proportionally increasing the total component count.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the seat part is locked to the vehicle floor during fold-flat operation, then stability is improved, but the fold-and-tumble operation cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable through the release lever. During fold-flat operation, the locking mechanism engages to stabilize the seat part. During fold-and-tumble operation, the release lever disengages the locking mechanism, allowing the seat part to pivot. This dynamic switching enables both stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever is positioned and configured to preliminarily disengage the locking mechanism before the fold-and-tumble operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the seat part is unlocked and ready to pivot, while the locking mechanism remains engaged during fold-flat operation for stability.
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 allows for a compact vehicle seat arrangement and improved access by reliably separating fold-flat and fold-and-tumble operations, enhancing space utilization and accessibility without increasing component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which, in a compressed state, has a folding force acting on the backrest for folding the backrest onto the seat part
Implementation Method 2
The actuating lever is expediently L-shaped and comprises a first lever arm and a second lever arm, which are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to one another. The actuating lever can be pivoted about a pivot axis in its central area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge mechanism (1) for a vehicle seat (14). According to the invention this hinge mechanism (1) comprises an actuating lever (4), a disengaging lever (5), a main rotary axis (6), a deflection lever (7) and a deflection rod (8) as well as a separate first operating element (17) for folding a backrest (16) over in the direction of a seat part (15) in the case of a fixed seat part (15), and a separate second operating element (18) for folding over the backrest (16) in the case of a simultaneous or subsequent pivot movement of the seat part (15). The invention additionally relates to a method for the operation of a vehicle seat (14) with a hinge mechanism (1).