Vehicle Seat Latch Structure With Unitary Base Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch devices for vehicle seats have a high number of parts, leading to increased size, weight, and cost, as well as potential deformation and load concentration on the latch.
Innovation Solution
A latch device with a reduced number of parts, featuring a unitary base member with integrated support walls and a connecting wall, which supports a shaft member and distributes the load from the rod portion across multiple contact surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional latch device with separate base plate and back plate is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the number of parts increases leading to increased size, weight, and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the base plate and back plate into a single unitary base member that integrally forms both support surfaces. This merging eliminates the need for separate plates and fastening elements, reducing the number of parts while maintaining the structural stability through the integrated design that provides both support functions simultaneously.
2Weight of stationary object
If the number of parts is reduced, then the size and weight are reduced, but the rigidity of the base member may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the base plate and back plate into a unitary base member, the patent reduces the total weight and volume of the latch device while the integrated structure itself provides the necessary rigidity through its unified design that eliminates weak points associated with multiple joined components.
3Reliability
If the latch supports all the load from the rod portion, then the engagement function is maintained, but the load concentration on the latch increases leading to potential deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary base member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides support surfaces for both the latch and the rod portion, and simultaneously acts as a load distribution structure. This multi-functionality allows the base member to share the load-bearing responsibility, reducing the load concentration on the latch while maintaining reliable engagement.
4Force
If separate base plate and back plate are used, then the load distribution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base plate and back plate into a single unitary base member that can be manufactured as one piece, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process. The integrated design maintains load distribution capabilities through its geometry while eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly operations, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch device includes a latch engageable with a rod portion of a striker, and is capable of transition to a locked state in which the latch is engaged with the rod portion and to an unlocked state in which the latch is disengaged from the rod portion, and includes a first shaft member that supports the latch in a manner that permits the latch to rotate, and a base member that supports the first shaft member. The base member is a unitary member which includes a first support wall disposed on one side of the latch and configured to support one end of the first shaft member, a second support wall disposed on an other side of the latch and configured to support an other end of the first shaft member, and a connecting wall that connects the first support wall and the second support wall.