Vehicle Seat Hinge Assembly with Integrated Tilt Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for vehicle seats are complex and time-consuming to assemble, with bulky components that require additional covering to hide from users, making it difficult to measure the tilt angle between the backrest and seating portion effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly featuring a first and second plate mounted rotatably about a transverse direction with a tilt sensor, such as a potentiometer, integrated between the plates, allowing for easy measurement of the tilt angle and hidden within the hinge assembly, reducing the need for additional covering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two parts and a locking member are arranged in a specific order to measure the tilt angle, then the tilt measurement function is achieved, but the assembly process becomes long and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tilt sensor with the hinge assembly into an integrated unit. The tilt sensor is arranged next to the hinge and at least partially between the first plate and second plate, eliminating the need for separate two-part assemblies with locking members. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining accurate tilt angle measurement functionality.
2Measurement precision
If two parts and a locking member are used to measure tilt, then the measurement function is achieved, but the components become bulky and require additional covering
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor is integrated within the hinge assembly structure, specifically arranged next to the hinge and partially between the plates. This integration eliminates the need for bulky separate components and additional covering members, as the sensor utilizes the existing space within the hinge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt sensor is nested within the hinge assembly structure, fitting into the space between the first plate and second plate. This nesting approach allows the sensor to be housed within the existing structural envelope without requiring additional external covering, thereby reducing overall device complexity and size.
3Ease of manufacture
If a tilt sensor is integrated between the first plate and second plate, then the assembly becomes simpler and easier to manufacture, but the sensor must fit within limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor is nested within the hinge assembly, specifically arranged next to the hinge and at least partially between the first plate and second plate. This nesting utilizes the existing structural space efficiently, allowing the sensor to be accommodated without requiring additional external space or complex assembly procedures.
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 simplifies the measurement of the tilt angle between the backrest and seating portion, facilitating easy assembly and integration within the existing hinge structure, while allowing precise adjustment and automatic relocking of the backrest position.
Implementation Method 1
the tilt sensor comprises a potentiometer; the potentiometer comprises a slider configured to be moved in a track between a first end and a second end
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for a vehicle seat includes: a first plate and a second plate, mounted rotatable relative to each other about a transverse direction; a hinge arranged between the first plate and the second plate; and a tilt sensor configured to measure an angle formed between the first plate and the second plate about the transverse direction. The tilt sensor is arranged next to the hinge and at least partially between the first plate and the second plate.