Vehicle Seat Link Mechanism for Compact Cushion Locking Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat mechanisms that release the locking of a seat cushion to the floor by tilting the seat back forward require an inverted arrangement of link mechanisms, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design where the first link, operated by an operating member on the seat back, pivots to turn the second link without inverting their arrangement, allowing the seat back to tilt forward without increasing the configuration's size or complexity, by moving in a direction opposite to the normal turning direction of the first link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat back is tilted forward by a large amount to release locking of the seat cushion, then the locking is released, but the arrangement of the link mechanisms becomes inverted and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the sequence of link mechanism arrangements. Instead of the conventional arrangement where the first link is initially positioned away from the second link and then inverts during forward tilting, this patent designs the initial arrangement with the first link closer to the second link. This inverted sequence prevents the arrangement from inverting during operation, thereby maintaining a compact configuration while still achieving the locking release function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first link and second link are arranged in inverted configuration to allow seat back tilting, then the locking release is achieved, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional link arrangement sequence to eliminate the need for complex inverted configurations during operation. By starting with the first link positioned closer to the second link in the initial state, the mechanism achieves a simpler, more straightforward arrangement that maintains adaptability for various seat back tilting ranges without requiring complex inverted link configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If one of the first and second links has a relief structure to return from folded position, then the arrangement can be restored, but the size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex relief structures by fundamentally changing the link arrangement sequence. Instead of requiring relief structures to restore the arrangement from a folded position, the inverted initial arrangement allows the mechanism to naturally maintain its configuration throughout the full range of motion, removing the need for additional restoration mechanisms.
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
This design allows for the release of the seat cushion's locking to the floor without inverting the link arrangement, maintaining a compact and simplified configuration, enabling efficient retraction of the seat back and cushion.
Implementation Method 1
a first link (30) that is pivotally provided for the seat back (2) and a second link (20) that is pivotally provided for the seat cushion (3) or the floor (F)
Implementation Method 2
the rotational position (direction) of the first link with respect to the second link is changed as the seat back is tilted forward
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes an operating member that is provided for a seat back. The operating member is operated to release locking of a seat cushion to a floor and to release rotation-sopped state of a reclining device. By operating the operating member, a first link rotatably provided for the seat back is operated in one rotation direction to thereby turn a second link rotatably provided for a base frame so that locking of the seat cushion to the floor is released. When the seat back is tilted forward, the first link is moved together with the seat back in a direction to be separated from the second link, that is, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first link turns the second link.