Vehicle Seat Latch Knob With Integrated Pin for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch devices for vehicle seats have a high number of components, increased manufacturing man-hours, and higher costs due to separate pins and elongated hole-shaped engaging portions.
Innovation Solution
A latch device with a pin integrated into the unlocking operation knob, a link with an open U-shaped engaging portion, and a simplified configuration that reduces the number of components and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pin is provided as a separate component on the link, then the transmission function is achieved, but the number of components, weight, and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is integrated into the link as a single molded component rather than being a separate part. The link includes a pin formation that protrudes from the link body, eliminating the need for separate pin components and their associated fastening operations while maintaining the mechanical transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The link serves multiple functions: it transmits the locked state of the latch to the indicator, provides structural support, and includes the pin formation as an integral part of its structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while preserving all necessary mechanical functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the engaging portion has an elongated hole shape, then the pin can be engaged, but the ease of assembly decreases and manufacturing man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion and pin formation are merged into a single molded link component. The open U-shaped engaging portion is formed directly in the link body during molding, eliminating the need for separate engaging portion components and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin formation and engaging portion are pre-formed as integral parts of the link during the molding process. This preliminary formation of structural features eliminates subsequent assembly operations that would be required if these features were separate components.
3Productivity
If multiple separate components are used for the operating mechanism, then the functional requirements are met, but the manufacturing costs and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The link is molded as a single integrated component that combines multiple functional elements: the link body, pin formation, and open U-shaped engaging portion. This merging of functions into one component streamlines manufacturing and reduces assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a multi-component mechanical assembly to a single molded polymer component. This parameter change in manufacturing method (from mechanical assembly to molding) significantly reduces production time and component count while maintaining functional integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a latch device, a vehicle seat, and a vehicle capable of reducing the number of components, manufacturing man-hours, and costs. A latch device includes a latch that can transition between a locked state where the latch is engaged with a striker and an unlocked state where the latch is disengaged from the striker; an unlocking operation knob for switching the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state; an indicator provided on the unlocking operation knob, and showing each state of the locked state and the unlocked state of the latch; a link that transmits each state of the latch to the indicator; and a pin that engages with the link, and that transmits each state of the latch to the indicator, each state being transmitted from the link. The pin is provided on the unlocking operation knob.