Vehicle Seat Backrest Lock Indicator With Electromagnetic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indicator devices for vehicle seat backrests are complex, mechanically coupled to locking devices, leading to increased wear, space requirements, and potential mechanical overstressing, while lacking reliability and ease of operation.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic actuator decouples the indicator element's movement from the locking device, using a magnet armature and coil for electromagnetic actuation, with a return spring for reliable positioning and a light source for visual indication, allowing for a compact, low-wear, and easy-to-operate design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the indicator element is mechanically coupled to the locking device, then the indicator device can display the actuation state, but the structural design becomes complex and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliable indication of actuation stateVSAvoidstructural design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical coupling between the locking device and indicator element with an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator uses a magnetic coil and magnetic armature to move the indicator element based on the actuation state of the locking device, eliminating complex mechanical force transmission while maintaining reliable indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic actuator as an intermediary between the locking device and the indicator element. This actuator receives the actuation state signal and translates it into movement of the indicator element, simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical force transmission is used from the locking device to the indicator element, then the actuation state is indicated, but mechanical wear increases and operational reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electromagnetic actuation for mechanical force transmission. The electromagnetic actuator uses magnetic fields to move the indicator element without mechanical contact between the locking device and indicator element, eliminating wear and improving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the indicator device is mechanically coupled to the locking device, then the actuation state can be displayed, but the space required for the indicator device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation state displayVSAvoidspace required for indicator device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system with a compact electromagnetic actuator that requires less space. The electromagnetic actuator can be integrated into the housing near the indicator element, reducing the overall space required for the indicator device while maintaining reliable actuation state display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If mechanical coupling is used between the locking device and indicator element, then the indicator can respond to actuation, but the ease of operation decreases due to potential mechanical overstressing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmechanical overstressing risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling with electromagnetic actuation, eliminating the risk of mechanical overstressing. The electromagnetic actuator can precisely control the movement of the indicator element without the mechanical stress and potential failure modes associated with mechanical linkages, improving both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simplifies the indicator device design, reduces mechanical stress, enhances operational reliability, and provides clear visual feedback of the locking state, even in dark conditions, while being cost-effective and flexible in arrangement.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrically energizable magnetic coil is arranged in the housing for generating a magnetic field acting on the magnetic armature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

at least one return spring is assigned to the indicator element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3986746B1Indicator device and vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2024.09.25 VOLKSWAGEN AG

Figure 1~2B

AI summary

The invention relates to an indicator device (10) for a movably mounted element, in particular backrest (3) of a vehicle seat (1), which is fixable in at least one position by means of an unlockable locking device (5), the indicator device (10) having at least one indicator element (11), which is movable from a rest position retracted into a housing (9) into a display position protruding from the housing (9), and an actuator device for moving the indicator element (11) depending on a state of the locking device (5). According to the invention, the actuator device is in the form of an electromagnetic actuator (23).