High Back Seat Latch With Independent Hook Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat latch systems for rotating rear row seatbacks in vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for independent actuation of the striker engaging hook, often requiring coordinated movement with the latch handle, which can complicate the release process and may not ensure secure engagement or disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A universal high handle seat latch system with a lift handle integrated into the seatback, featuring a linkage and cable mechanism that allows independent actuation of the striker engaging hook, enabling upward rotation of the hook to a release position and secure engagement or disengagement without concurrent handle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch handle mechanism is used where the handle and hook are mechanically coupled, then the structure is simpler, but the hook cannot be actuated independently from the handle which complicates the release process
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the latch handle (54) for user operation, the trigger (58) for actuation, and the hook (18) for engagement. The trigger is further segmented into a trigger support (40) and trigger stem (52), allowing independent movement of each component. This segmentation enables the hook to be actuated independently from the handle through the cable linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable linkage system acts as an intermediary between the trigger and the hook. The cable (66) transmits force from the trigger (58) to the hook (18) independently of the handle (54). This intermediary mechanism allows the hook to be released without moving the handle, solving the problem of independent actuation while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through a well-defined transmission path.
2Reliability
If the hook is mechanically coupled to the handle, then the structure is more compact, but secure engagement and disengagement cannot be ensured without coordinated movement
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a coil spring (32) that provides biased force to maintain the hook in the engaged position, and a cam (29) that converts the linear motion of the trigger stem into rotational motion of the hook. The anti-chuck cam (39) dynamically adjusts to prevent unintended disengagement. These dynamic components ensure reliable engagement and disengagement while allowing independent actuation of the hook from the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring (32) automatically returns the hook to the engaged position after release, and the cam (29) automatically converts the trigger motion into hook rotation without requiring additional components. The anti-chuck cam (39) self-adjusts to prevent buckling or unintended movement. These self-service features enhance reliability while minimizing the complexity of the independent actuation mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the latch handle must move concurrently with the hook for release, then the mechanism is simpler, but user convenience is reduced due to the coordinated movement requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted from the handle operation. The handle (54) remains stationary during release, while the trigger (58) is pulled separately to actuate the hook (18). This extraction allows the user to release the seatback without moving the handle, significantly improving ease of operation. The separate actuation systems are connected through the cable linkage, which transmits the release force from the trigger to the hook independently of the handle.
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 system provides a secure and efficient mechanism for releasing the seatback, allowing independent operation of the hook, enhancing user convenience and ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement of the seatback with the package shelf, while maintaining structural integrity during loading conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring being located along a rear edge of the package defined space and including a first end engaging the hook end location and a second end engaging a first structural cam and trigger inducing support
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention teaches a high handle seat latch incorporated into a rotating seatback including a body integrated into the seatback and exhibiting a rear facing hook engaging a package shelf supported striker in an upright design position. A lift handle is supported at an upper end of the body and is accessible from a top of the seatback. A linkage interconnects the handle with the hook and is responsive to upward rotation of the handle to rotate the hook to a striker release and forward dump position. A cable actuates the linkage independent of the lift handle to actuate the hook to the release position.