Seat Latching System Reducing Actuation Force via Biasing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latching systems for seats, particularly in vehicles, face challenges in efficiently transitioning between latched and unlatched positions, often requiring significant force and lacking intuitive actuation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A latching system comprising a latch arm and a biasing member with a first portion that engages the latch arm to hold it in an unlatched position, allowing easy transition to a latched position when the first portion disengages, utilizing a housing with pins and slots for guided movement and a bezel for aesthetic and operational integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional latching systems are used, then the seat can be secured in position, but significant force is required to transition between latched and unlatched positions
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is designed to move through a controlled path defined by pins and slots, allowing dynamic transition between positions. The biasing member provides continuous dynamic force to assist movement, making the transition smoother and requiring less user effort while maintaining secure latching when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary that mediates between the user's actuation force and the latch arm's movement. It stores and releases elastic energy to assist the transition, reducing the peak force required from the user while ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement.
2Reliability
If conventional latching systems are used, then the latch can hold position, but the actuation mechanism lacks intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is segmented into distinct functional components: the latch arm for position holding, the biasing member for actuation assistance, and the pin-slot mechanism for guided movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide intuitive overall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides self-service by automatically assisting the latch arm's movement during actuation. When the user applies force to move the latch arm, the biasing member releases stored energy to supplement the user's effort, making the operation more intuitive and requiring less user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If a biasing member is introduced to reduce latching effort, then transition becomes easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is integrated with the existing latch arm and housing structure, merging its function into the overall latching mechanism rather than adding a completely separate system. This combining approach reduces the perceived complexity while providing the force assistance benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member serves multiple functions: it assists during actuation, maintains the latch arm in the correct position when engaged, and provides controlled resistance during disengagement. This multi-functionality justifies its addition by providing multiple benefits from a single component.
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 smooth and efficient transition between latched and unlatched states with reduced latching effort, enhancing user experience and operational reliability by leveraging the biasing force of the biasing member and strategic pin and slot configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member has a first portion that engages the latch arm to hold the latch arm in the unlatched position. The biasing member biases the latch arm toward the latched position when the first portion disengages the latch arm.
Data Source
AI summary
A latching system that may be associated with a seat. The latching system may include a latch arm configured to engage a striker and a biasing member having a first portion. The latch arm moves from an unlatched position to a latched position when the first portion disengages the latch arm.