Vehicle Folding Seat Latch With Multi-Position Strap Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding seats in vehicles have complex and diverse parts that increase weight and maintenance costs, and are limited in their ability to utilize space due to restricted folding directions, failing to provide versatile space utilization around the seat when folded.
Innovation Solution
A folding seat design that includes a seat frame, a rotatable seat back frame, and a first latch part with a hook and strap mechanism, allowing the seat frame to be folded by manipulating a lever at various positions, enhancing space utilization by enabling stable and flexible folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex and diverse parts are used to fold the seat frame, then the folding function is achieved, but the weight of the seat increases and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated latch part that serves both as a locking mechanism and a folding actuator. The latch part includes a hook that engages with a holding jaw, a cable connected to the hook, and a strap connected to the cable, all integrated into one component structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate folding mechanisms, thereby reducing weight while maintaining the folding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch part is designed as a multi-functional component that can both lock the seat frame in place and enable folding operations. The hook can engage with different positions on the holding jaw to provide both locking and folding capabilities. The cable and strap system allows the same component to serve multiple purposes in the seat assembly, reducing the overall number of parts needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex and diverse parts are used to fold the seat frame, then the folding function is achieved, but maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the locking mechanism and folding actuator into a single latch part, the patent reduces the number of components that can fail and require maintenance. The unified structure means fewer separate parts to inspect, repair, or replace, thereby reducing maintenance costs while preserving the folding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch part is designed to be manually operated through simple strap manipulation, eliminating the need for complex motors, sensors, or electronic control systems. This mechanical self-service design reduces maintenance requirements as there are no electronic components to fail, and the user can perform basic maintenance themselves by manipulating the strap and lever.
3Device complexity
If the folding direction of the seat frame is limited, then the structure is simple, but the utilization of space around the folding seat is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic latch mechanism where the hook can engage with the holding jaw at multiple positions along its length. By manipulating the strap and lever, the hook can be released and re-engaged at different positions, enabling the seat frame to fold in multiple directions and positions. This dynamic capability allows flexible space utilization without requiring a complex multi-mechanism system.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding jaw is designed with multiple engagement positions along its length, allowing the hook to lock at different points. By changing the engagement position parameter, the seat frame can be folded to different angles and positions, maximizing space utilization in various configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a folding seat which can be folded by manipulating a lever at various positions so as to improve the utilization of space around the folding seat. The folding seat includes: a seat frame; a seat back frame located at a rear of the seat frame and coupled rotatably to the seat frame or a vehicle; and a first latch part provided with a side support, a first end of the side support being coupled to the vehicle and a second end of the side support being coupled to the rear of the seat frame through a rotation shaft such that the seat frame is rotatable, wherein the first latch part further includes: a hook having a lower part located behind the rotation shaft and coupled elastically rotatably to the seat frame and having an upper part extending upward from the lower part and coupled to a holding jaw formed on the side support, and a strap connected to a lower end of the hook through a cable and extending forward.