Vehicle Seat Multi-Articulated Linkage Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats are difficult to stow safely and efficiently in a footwell, requiring manual actuation of separate locking elements and prone to human error during locking and unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a multi-bar linkage and a locking device that unlocks beyond a defined limit angle, allowing controlled pivoting and longitudinal displacement, featuring a pin-slot guide for easy and secure unlocking and locking, eliminating the need for separate manual actuation and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual actuation of separate locking elements is used, then the vehicle seat can be locked and unlocked, but the operation becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate locking elements into a single integrated locking mechanism that is automatically actuated through the multi-bar linkage system. The locking device includes a locking element with a slot and a corresponding actuating element that engages the slot, creating a unified locking action that replaces manual operation of separate locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the multi-bar linkage during stowage and retrieval operations. The system self-regulates the locking state through the mechanical interaction between the locking element's slot and the actuating element, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing human error.
2Volume of moving object
If the vehicle seat is folded beyond a defined limit angle, then storage space is increased, but the locking mechanism may accidentally unlock or fail to lock properly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with a slot geometry that prevents engagement beyond a specific angle. The slot's shape and orientation create a mechanical constraint that automatically prevents the locking element from engaging in positions beyond the defined limit angle, thereby preventing accidental unlocking or improper locking before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical interaction between the locking element's slot and the actuating element provides continuous feedback on the seat's position. The slot's geometry inherently communicates the correct locking position, ensuring that locking only occurs at the proper angle and preventing engagement beyond the defined limit, thus providing position feedback through the locking mechanism itself.
3Reliability
If separate manual locking elements are used, then the locking function is provided, but the stowage process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the multi-bar linkage stowage mechanism. The locking element with its slot and the actuating element are integrated into the existing linkage system, allowing locking and stowage to occur as a unified, automated sequence rather than separate manual operations, thereby increasing stowage speed while maintaining reliable locking.
4Reliability
If multiple separate locking elements are provided, then comprehensive locking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking device comprising a locking element with a slot and an actuating element. This unified design provides comprehensive locking security through the slot-actuator interaction while eliminating the need for multiple separate locking elements, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device (2) for a vehicle seat (1), especially for a motor vehicle seat. According to the invention, the fixing device (2) comprises a multi-articulated mechanism (G) and a locking device (3) that unlocks the multi-articulated mechanism when the vehicle seat (1) is pivoted or folded back past a defined limiting angle (a), enabling the vehicle seat (1) to be guided, especially pivoted and longitudinally moved, in a controlled manner, between an unlocked first position (PU1) and an unlocked second position (PU2) or vice versa.