Coaxial Seat Lock Release Mechanism to Prevent Jamming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for vehicle seats require a large installation space and are prone to jamming due to the use of oblong holes in the pawl mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a rotary latch, a blocking element, and an unlocking element that are pivotally mounted on a housing, allowing for a compact design and independent actuation, reducing the risk of jamming and requiring less installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If oblong holes are used in the pawl mechanism for manual actuation, then the locking device can be actuated manually, but the installation space requirement increases and jamming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking element is integrated with the blocking element, allowing both components to pivot coaxially on the same bearing pin. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and eliminates the need for oblong holes, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining manual actuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element serves multiple functions: it blocks the rotary latch in the locking position and can be actuated by the unlocking element for manual release. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual actuation mechanisms that would require additional space
2Ease of operation
If oblong holes are used in the pawl mechanism, then manual actuation is enabled, but the locking device becomes prone to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking element and blocking element are combined into a coaxial arrangement, eliminating the oblong hole mechanism that causes jamming. The integrated design ensures smooth operation without the mechanical interference that occurs in traditional oblong hole-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking element acts as an intermediary that transfers force to the blocking element through a controlled interaction at the driver element. This intermediary mechanism provides a reliable force transmission path that avoids the jamming issues associated with oblong holes
3Area of stationary object
If a coaxial mounting of blocking element and unlocking element is used, then installation space is reduced and construction is simplified, but independent actuation must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is segmented into a main body and a driver element that protrudes from it. This segmentation allows the unlocking element to act on a specific portion (driver element) without interfering with the overall coaxial arrangement, enabling independent actuation while maintaining compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The driver element is positioned to be acted upon by the unlocking element during pivotal movement, creating a controlled interaction point. This design copies the functional relationship needed for independent actuation while maintaining the space-saving coaxial structure
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 provides an improved locking device with reduced installation space and enhanced reliability through the use of a coaxial unlocking element and blocking element, facilitating both motorized and manual operation with minimal jamming.
Implementation Method 1
The unlocking element can be configured in the form of a release lever. The unlocking element has a greater lever length than the driver element, facilitating manual unlocking.
Implementation Method 2
The rotary latch is pivotally mounted on a housing between a locking position and an unlocking position
Implementation Method 3
A worm of the driving device is in engagement with a toothing of the screw wheel. This allows a fast transfer of the blocking element into the release position
Implementation Method 4
Optionally, there is provided a spring by means of which the blocking element is pretensioned in the direction of the blocking position
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a locking device, comprising: a rotary latch pivotally mounted on a housing between a locking position and an unlocking position, a blocking element movable between a blocking position and a release position, by which the rotary latch is blocked in the locking position when the blocking element is arranged in the blocking position, and a driving device that can be activated for moving the blocking element from the blocking position into the release position. There is provided an unlocking element that is pivotally mounted on the housing independently of the driving device and is adapted to urge the blocking element from the blocking position into the release position.