Vehicle Seat Latch with Pivot Slot for Alignment Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat latches struggle to accommodate small variations in alignment between the seat and the vehicle frame during installation, leading to installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A latch system with a pivotable latch body and a biasing assembly that allows for pivotal movement and alignment adjustment, featuring a bracket with a pivot point and slot, and a supporting shaft that slides along the slot, assisted by a biasing mechanism to absorb alignment discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid latch mechanism is used to ensure secure coupling, then the strength and reliability of the connection is improved, but the ability to accommodate alignment variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a pivotable latch body that can rotate about a pivot point, and a supporting shaft that slides within a slot. These dynamic components allow the rigid latch to adapt to alignment variations while maintaining secure coupling when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the bracket allows for positional adjustment of the supporting shaft, enabling the latch to accommodate variations in alignment parameters. The biasing assembly also changes the positional parameter of the latch body by applying force to maintain engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pivotable latch body with slot and supporting shaft is used to accommodate alignment variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a bracket with slot, a pivotable latch body, a supporting shaft, and a biasing assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall design manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting shaft acts as an intermediary element that connects the latch body to the bracket's slot, enabling smooth movement and alignment adjustment. The pivot point serves as an intermediary that facilitates controlled rotation of the latch body.
3Reliability
If a biasing assembly is added to maintain latched position, then the reliability of the latched position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing assembly provides self-service by automatically maintaining the latch body in the latched position through its inherent biasing force. The system does not require external actuators or complex control mechanisms to maintain engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing assembly acts as a counterforce mechanism that opposes forces trying to disengage the latch. It provides a continuous counter-biasing force to ensure the latch remains securely engaged in the latched position.
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
Facilitates easy installation of vehicle seats by accommodating small alignment variations, ensuring secure coupling to the vehicle frame.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing assembly is disposed between the pivot point and the supporting shaft and biasing the latch body toward the latched position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch for a vehicle seat includes a latch body and a bracket having a plate defining a pivot point and a slot is provided. The latch body is pivotably coupled to the bracket at the pivot point and movably coupled to the bracket at the slot such that the latch body pivots about the pivot point between a latched position and a variation absorbing position. The latch body has a supporting shaft slidably supported by the plate at the slot. A biasing assembly is disposed between the pivot point and the supporting shaft and biasing the latch body toward the latched position.