Vehicle Seat Lock Assembly with Integrated Striker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locks are complex to assemble and large in size, which complicates their installation, especially in small spaces, and lack efficiency in holding the seat back in standing positions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat lock design that simplifies assembly by using a locking assembly with a hook member, synthetic-resin opening lever, and sensing member, which engages with a striker to hold the seat back in standing positions, and includes a metal base member and striker-engaging grooves to prevent deformation and improve locking strength, allowing the seat back to be easily positioned and secured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection structure is added to detect whether the hook member is engaged with the striker, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member itself serves as the detection element. When the hook member engages with the striker, its position change directly indicates the engagement state, eliminating the need for separate detection structures. The system uses the functional component's own position to provide detection information.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook member performs multiple functions: it provides the locking function by engaging with the striker, and simultaneously serves as the detection element by indicating its engagement state through its position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple assembling steps are required before joining the base plate to the cover plate, then the assembly precision is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into two main segments: the base plate assembly (containing the hook member, pivot, and spring) and the cover plate assembly. These segments are designed to be assembled separately and then joined together, allowing parallel assembly processes and reducing the need for sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook member, pivot, and spring are pre-assembled into the base plate before the final assembly with the cover plate. This preliminary assembly allows these components to be positioned and secured in advance, simplifying the final joining step and improving overall assembly efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the locking assembly is made larger to include detection structures, then the detection capability is improved, but the adaptability to small spaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member serves dual purposes as both the locking mechanism and the detection element. By using the same component for both functions, the assembly size is minimized while maintaining detection capability. The hook member's position change inherently provides detection information without requiring additional space.
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 design enhances assembly efficiency, reduces the size of the locking assembly, and improves locking strength by preventing deformation and ensuring stable engagement of the hook member with the striker, allowing the seat back to be securely held in various positions while being compact enough for small spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for forcing the hook member
Implementation Method 2
a bell crank rotatable about a fourth pivot
Implementation Method 3
a sensing member pivotally secured on a third pivot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hook member of a vehicle seat lock (4) engages with a striker (5) fixed to a vehicle body. An opening lever (9) is pivotally secured to the first base plate to constitute the first subassembly. The hook member (8) is pivotally secured to the second base plate to constitute the second subassembly. The first base plate is coupled to the second base plate. Between the first and second base plates, a sensing member is pivotally secured in parallel with the hook member to detect invasion of the striker (5) in the hook member (8).