Automobile Seat Link Mechanism for Spontaneous Forward Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automobile seats with a walk-in function face operability issues when a child seat is mounted, as they require significant force to shift from a normal to a forward-leaning posture and back, compromising ease of use and space for getting on and off.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a seat main body with a link mechanism and a seat lock mechanism that allows the seat to shift from a normal to a forward-leaning posture without external force, using a front and rear link system and a cam-based lock mechanism, enabling easy operation and space creation for getting on and off even with a child seat mounted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the seat main body is shifted from normal posture to forward-leaning posture using conventional link mechanisms, then the space for getting on and off is ensured, but significant force is required and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional link mechanism configuration by positioning the fixed-end supporting point of the rear link above the free-end supporting point rather than below. This inversion changes the mechanical advantage direction, allowing the seat to move forward automatically under its own weight rather than requiring external force to push it forward, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring space and maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The seat main body utilizes its own weight to automatically shift from normal posture to forward-leaning posture through the specially configured link mechanism. The mechanism is designed so that gravity acts as the driving force, eliminating the need for external pushing force and significantly improving operability while still achieving the required space for getting on and off
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat main body is pushed forward to assume forward-leaning posture, then the walk-in function is achieved, but operation force increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the link mechanism configuration with the fixed-end supporting point positioned above the free-end supporting point, the patent transforms the mechanical system so that the seat's self-weight produces a forward-moving force rather than requiring external force. This enables the walk-in function to be achieved with minimal operation force, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism is configured to counteract the gravitational force that would normally resist forward movement. By positioning the supporting points in an inverted arrangement, the mechanism converts the seat's weight into a beneficial force that automatically propels the seat forward when transitioning from normal to forward-leaning posture, reducing the operation force required
3Stability of the object's composition
If the seat main body is restored from forward-leaning to normal posture, then the seat returns to original position, but significant force is required and operability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted link mechanism configuration ensures that when the seat needs to be restored from forward-leaning to normal posture, the same gravitational force that aided forward movement now assists the restoration process. The mechanical advantage provided by the inverted configuration reduces the force required for restoration, resolving the contradiction between position stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The seat main body can be restored to normal posture by utilizing its own weight through the inverted link mechanism. The configuration allows gravity to facilitate the restoration process, eliminating the need for significant external force and improving operability while maintaining position stability through the locking mechanism
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 enhances operability by allowing the seat to shift to a forward-leaning posture spontaneously due to self-weight, reducing the need for external force and ensuring a large space for getting on and off with minimal effort, while also stabilizing the seat at both positions to prevent rattling.
Implementation Method 1
a link mechanism which includes a front link and a rear link rotatably pivoted by the seat cushion frame and the seat supporting member to connect the seat cushion frame and the seat supporting member at positions different from each other in a front-back direction, and allows the seat main body to shift between a first seat position corresponding to a posture assumed by a passenger when seated and a second seat position forward of the first seat position and corresponding to a forward-leaning posture
Implementation Method 2
the seat cushion frame is supported in a manner that a position thereof backward of a position connected to the front link is suspended by the seat supporting member via the rear link, and in a state where the seat main body is arranged at the first seat position, a free-end supporting point of the rear link is positioned at a predetermined position backward of a first vertical line passing a fixed-end supporting point of the rear link
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An automobile seat includes a seat main body having a seat cushion frame; a seat supporting member; a link mechanism which allows the seat main body to shift between a first seat position corresponding to a posture assumed by a passenger when seated and a second seat position forward of the first seat position and corresponding to a forward-leaning posture; and a seat lock mechanism capable of being switched between a seat-locked state in which the seat main body is restrained at the first seat position and a lock-released state in which the restraint is released. The seat cushion frame is supported in a manner that a position thereof backward of a position connected to the front link is suspended by the seat supporting member via the rear link. In the automobile seat, in a state where the seat main body is arranged at the first seat position, a free-end supporting point of the rear link is positioned at a predetermined position backward of a first vertical line passing a fixed-end supporting point of the rear link, and in a state where the seat main body is arranged at the second seat position, the free-end supporting point is positioned forward of the predetermined position.