Vehicle Seat Locking Mechanism with Direct Handle Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking mechanisms are complex and require additional components, such as coupling rods or levers, and may not effectively absorb impact or tolerate position variations, leading to potential damage and instability.
Innovation Solution
A simplified locking mechanism with a direct connection between the unlocking handle and securing elements, incorporating a resilient lock housing with integrated damping stops and a separate unlocking housing, which reduces material requirements and allows for customized variants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediate elements such as coupling rods or lever kinematics are used to connect the unlocking handle to securing elements, then the locking mechanism can achieve secure locking, but the device complexity increases and additional fastening clips or plastic coverings are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the unlocking handle directly to the securing element through a single articulation point, merging what were previously separate components (handle, coupling rod, securing element) into a simplified assembly. This direct connection eliminates intermediate elements while maintaining the locking function, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising reliability
2Strength
If the lock housing is made rigid to withstand crash impacts, then the structural strength is improved, but the impact of the counter element cannot be effectively damped, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a resilient stop element within the lock housing that deforms elastically upon impact from the counter element. This beforehand cushioning mechanism absorbs crash impacts through controlled deformation, protecting the rigid locking components from damage while maintaining overall structural strength
3Stability of the object's composition
If a single monolithic lock housing is used to contain all locking components, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the material requirements increase and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking system into separate modular components: a lock housing containing the resilient stop and bearing pin, and a separate unlocking housing that can be fastened to the lock housing. This segmentation reduces material requirements for each individual component, enables customized variants through different unlocking housing configurations, while maintaining overall structural integrity through controlled fastening
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 a crash-safe, efficient locking mechanism that absorbs impact, compensates for position tolerances, and reduces material needs, while maintaining functionality and adaptability for various vehicle seat applications.
Implementation Method 1
the lock housing is specifically (resiliently) deformed, whereby the impact of the counter element is damped
Implementation Method 2
the impact of the counter element is damped
Implementation Method 3
in the event of a crash, in particular by means of a capture surface, supports the latch, in particular on the functional surface thereof, and namely generally positively
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism (1) for a vehicle seat includes a latch (11) that is to be interlocked with an opposite element (B) and is mounted to be pivotable about a first bearing bolt (13), at least one securing element (25, 31) that secures the latch (11) in the locked state, and a movable unlocking handle (42). The unlocking handle (42) is directly hinged to one of the securing elements (25, 31) by means of a single pivot point (48).