Vehicle Seat Locking Device with Compensation Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking devices generate noise due to vibrations and have manufacturing tolerance issues, leading to potential unlocking during accidents, and are costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a compensation element that suppresses noise through mechanical contact with the counter-element and a pawl, featuring a concave functional surface and separate spring tensioning for optimal force distribution, allowing increased tolerance and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pawl is spaced slightly apart from the counter-element to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, then manufacturing precision requirements are relaxed, but noise is generated due to vibrations causing the counter-element to hit the pawl
Solution Approach 1:
A compensation element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pawl and counter-element. This compensation element has a compensation surface that contacts the counter-element and suppresses vibrations, preventing noise while allowing the pawl to remain spaced from the counter-element for manufacturing tolerance accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: the pawl for locking, the compensation element for vibration suppression, and the counter-element for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the pawl can be spaced for manufacturing tolerances while the compensation element handles the vibration control function.
2Reliability
If the pawl is positioned close to the counter-element to improve locking reliability, then locking security is enhanced, but manufacturing tolerances are compromised and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation element serves as a mediator that ensures reliable contact with the counter-element while allowing the pawl to maintain its spaced position. This mediator function guarantees locking reliability through the compensation element's contact surface without requiring the pawl to be positioned close to the counter-element, thus preserving manufacturing tolerances.
3Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used to reduce device complexity and cost, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but noise suppression and vibration control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it contacts the counter-element to suppress vibrations and noise, compensates for manufacturing tolerances through its geometric design, and works in conjunction with the pawl's spring element to maintain reliable locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation element merges the functions of vibration suppression, tolerance compensation, and contact engagement into a single component. By combining these functions, the overall device complexity is minimized while still achieving noise suppression and reliable locking.
4Reliability
If the compensation element is made stronger to prevent accidental unlocking, then locking reliability in accident situations is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation element is designed with local quality optimization - the compensation surface has specific geometric features (such as a concave shape or specific contact area) that provide high local strength and stiffness for vibration suppression and accident resistance, while other portions of the component can be made with lower material requirements, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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 effectively reduces noise generation, ensures secure locking during accidents, and lowers manufacturing costs by allowing a more compact and cost-effective design with enhanced tolerance ranges.
Implementation Method 1
the pawl is resiliently pretensioned by a first spring element in the direction of the locking device
Implementation Method 2
the compensation element is resiliently tensioned by a second spring element along the further second direction beyond the contact position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1), particularly for a vehicle seat, which comprises a retainer region (5) for receiving a counter element (6), a catch (3) which can be pivoted between a locking position that locks the counter element in said retainer region, and an unlocking position, and a compensation element (9) that can be pivoted between a contact position for tensioning the counter element in the direction of the retainer region and a release position for releasing said counter element.