Vehicle Seat Latching Device Reference Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats face challenges in allowing easy predetermination of a comfort or reference position for adjustment parts, such as backrests, when transitioning between adjustment regions, often requiring manual unlocking and relocking to achieve optimal positioning for both comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a mechanical control device that interacts with the latching mechanism to keep the latching device in a release position until a predetermined reference position is reached, allowing automatic locking only when the adjustment part reaches this position, ensuring consistent and comfortable seating while minimizing the risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching device automatically locks the first adjustment part in the first possible use position when folded back from the second adjustment region, then the locking function is achieved, but the operating convenience deteriorates because the backrest has a pronounced inclination forward and requires manual unlocking to achieve a comfortable position
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is activated before the automatic locking occurs, preventing the latching device from locking in the first use position. This preliminary action allows the backrest to be positioned at a more favorable angle before locking is permitted, improving comfort without sacrificing the automatic locking function
2Extent of automation
If the backrest is folded back into the first adjustment region and automatically locked in the first use position, then the automatic locking is achieved, but the comfort and safety deteriorate due to the pronounced forward inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the automatic locking mechanism and the final locking action. It monitors the backrest position and selectively permits or prevents locking based on whether the backrest has reached a favorable position, thus mediating between automatic operation and user comfort
3Adaptability or versatility
If the latching device permits adjustment after being prestressed into a latching position, then the adjustability is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for manual unlocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically determines when locking should be permitted or prevented based on the backrest position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual unlocking mechanisms, as the system autonomously manages the locking state according to predefined position criteria
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat comprising at least one first and one second adjustment part and a latching device is provided. The first adjustment part is formed by a backrest of the vehicle seat and the second adjustment part is formed by a seat part of the vehicle seat. The first adjustment part is lockable in a first adjustment region in a plurality of adjustment positions relative to the second adjustment part by means of the latching device, and is adjustable relative to the second adjustment part when the latching device is in a release position, for setting the backrest in its inclination with respect to the seat part. The first adjustment part is adjustable from the first adjustment region into a second adjustment region in which the backrest is folded forward in the direction of the seat part or even onto the seat part.