Vehicle Seat Locking Mechanism With Form-Fit Securing Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking devices suffer from undesired displacement movements under dynamic loads, poor operating comfort, and complex mechanisms that require significant manual or motor force to unlock, often leading to compromised alignment and security during crashes.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a securing section that positively engages in a form-fit area of the locking element, limiting displacement and allowing defined movement, combined with an unlocking element that adjusts to release the lock via a compressive force, enabling a compact and secure design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plurality of separate adjustable locking elements are provided on a locking device, then the locking coverage is improved, but undesired displacement movements occur under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking elements with a common securing section that engages a single form-fit area, merging their stabilizing functions. This allows the locking elements to work together as a unified system, preventing individual displacement while maintaining multiple locking points for enhanced security.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing section acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the locking elements and the form-fit area. It provides a stable reference point that all locking elements share, preventing their displacement under dynamic loads while allowing them to independently engage detent openings.
2Reliability
If a comparatively long stroke is provided to compensate existing tolerances, then the locking reliability is improved, but the operating comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional long-stroke mechanical compensation mechanism with a form-fit engagement system. The form-fit area and securing section provide automatic tolerance compensation through their geometric relationship, eliminating the need for excessive stroke length while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the engagement parameters from relying on long stroke distance to relying on precise form-fit geometric parameters. The shape and dimensions of the form-fit area and securing section are optimized to provide tolerance compensation, allowing for shorter stroke while improving operating comfort.
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms are provided to realize unlocking and secure locking elements, then the locking security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the securing function from complex mechanical mechanisms and integrates it directly into the unlocking element as a securing section. This simplifies the overall mechanism by eliminating separate securing mechanisms while maintaining the security function through the form-fit engagement between the securing section and form-fit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the actuating element for unlocking and as the securing element through its securing section. This universal design eliminates the need for separate securing mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining locking security.
4Ease of operation
If an engagement with clearance is provided between securing section and form-fit area, then the risk of jamming is reduced, but the locking precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different regions of the engagement. The form-fit area and securing section have precise local geometry for accurate positioning, while the overall engagement allows controlled clearance for operational reliability. This local differentiation of precision requirements resolves the contradiction between jamming risk and locking precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for a vehicle seat. The locking device including at least one securing section provided on an unlocking element of the locking device, which in a locking position of a locking element of the locking device positively engages in a form-fit area of the locking element and blocks a displacement of the locking element into its unlocking position.