Rotating Seat Latch Plates to Prevent Binding Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seat latching mechanisms often experience binding issues due to friction when inserting or withdrawing lock pins from holes or notches, making it difficult to secure or release the moveable seat frame relative to the stationary frame, especially under loaded conditions.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism featuring latch plates that rotate away from the inner surface of the hole or slot, reducing friction and preventing binding, comprising a locking plate, latch plates, and axles that allow for smooth engagement and disengagement by receiving ends into slots, with a user-actuated lever or motorized system for secure and release positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lock pins are inserted into holes or notches to secure the seat, then the seat can be secured to the guiderail, but friction causes binding issues making it difficult to insert or withdraw the lock pins, especially under loaded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting a lock pin into a hole (conventional approach), the patent uses a latch plate that rotates to engage with a slot. The latch plate rotates from a retracted position where it does not contact the slot walls to a latched position where it engages the slot, effectively inverting the engagement mechanism to eliminate friction-based binding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical insertion/withdrawal system with a rotation-based engagement system. The latch plate rotates around an axle to engage or disengage from the slot, substituting the friction-heavy linear insertion mechanism with a smoother rotational motion that reduces binding
2Reliability
If lock pins are used to secure the moveable seat frame, then the seat can be locked in position, but the friction and binding make it difficult to release the seat, especially when loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is inverted by using a latch plate that rotates to disengage from the slot rather than being pulled linearly. The rotational motion allows the latch plate to easily lift off the slot engagement point, making release simple even when the seat is loaded, while still providing reliable locking when engaged
3Reliability
If traditional latching mechanisms are used, then the seat can be secured, but the friction creates binding issues that complicate the mechanism design and reduce operational smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the engagement approach from linear insertion to rotational engagement, the patent simplifies the mechanism. The latch plate rotating on an axle with simple engagement surfaces reduces the number of components and eliminates complex friction management, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A latching mechanism configured to secure a first component and a second component. The latching mechanism includes a locking plate that operatively engages a first latch plate and a second latch plate. The plates each include an end that inserts into a slot located on the second component, therein securing the first component to the second component. Actuation of the latching mechanism displaces the plates, therein releasing the ends from the slot and allowing for movement of the first component in relation to the second component.