Vehicle Seat Latch Pin Retraction Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat latch mechanisms protrude when not in use, potentially snagging clothing or cargo and complicating impact management, as they do not effectively retract or manage tensile forces during recline angle changes.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a pin assembly pivotally connected to the second seat back, operably connected to the first seat back via an actuator cable and spindle, which automatically retracts when the recline angles differ, ensuring the pin is stowed and reducing visibility and risk of snagging, with a return spring biasing the pin to a retracted position in case of cable failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latch mechanism is designed to remain engaged during recline operations, then the structural integrity and safety are improved, but the mechanism protrudes when not in use creating snagging hazards and complicating impact management
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static engaged state to a dynamic retractable state. The pin is pivotally connected to the second seat back and can automatically retract when the recline angles of the first and second seat backs differ, eliminating the protrusion hazard while maintaining engagement reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism uses the existing tensile force changes in the cable system during recline operations to automatically retract the pin without requiring an additional actuator. The system self-regulates based on the relative positions of the seat backs, reducing complexity while maintaining safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pin is automatically retracted based on recline angle differences, then safety and comfort are improved by preventing snagging, but the mechanism complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism utilizes the existing cable and spindle system that is already present for controlling seat back recline. The pin is biased by a return spring and automatically actuates based on tensile force changes in the existing cable, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems while achieving automatic retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable and spindle assembly serves dual functions: controlling the recline motion of the seat backs and simultaneously actuating the latch pin retraction. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating redundant components.
3Ease of operation
If the pin remains deployed for easy visual confirmation of latch status, then operational simplicity is improved, but the risk of snagging clothing or cargo increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin position is dynamically adjusted based on operational conditions. During normal upright seating with equal recline angles, the pin remains deployed for visual confirmation. When recline angle differences occur, the pin automatically retracts to eliminate snagging hazards, providing both visibility and safety at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pin's positional state based on the recline angle parameter. When the recline angles of the first and second seat backs are equal, the pin is deployed for visibility. When angles differ, the pin retracts to prevent snagging, using parameter-based state transitions to balance visibility and safety.
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 solution ensures the pin is safely retracted when not in use, enhancing passenger safety and comfort by preventing snagging and simplifying impact management, while also providing an automatic repair indication through the pin's retraction in case of cable failure.
Implementation Method 1
with a return spring biasing the pin to a retracted position in case of cable failure
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom adapted to mount to a vehicle. The seat assembly further includes a first seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom defining a recline angle relative to the seat bottom, and a second seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom proximate to the first seat back defining a recline angle relative to the seat bottom. A pin is pivotally connected to the second seat back, is sized to be received within a latch mechanism on the first seat back, and is operably connected to the second seat back to pivot to a stowed position when the first seat back is pivoted to a recline angle that is less than the second seat back recline angle.