Vehicle Seat Lock Single Operating Knob Merging Indication and Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locks require separate components for indicating engagement with a striker and disengagement, increasing complexity and part count.
Innovation Solution
A single operating member is designed to both indicate engagement with the striker and disengage the hook member, utilizing a synthetic-resin molded hook member with a pivotally secured metal matrix and a bell crank mechanism to simplify the structure while maintaining locking strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate warning indicator is provided from the unlocking knob, then the engagement status can be visually confirmed, but the number of parts increases and the structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The warning indicator and unlocking knob are merged into a single integrated component. The indicator knob serves dual functions: it visually indicates engagement status through its position (protruding when engaged, retracted when disengaged) and simultaneously acts as the unlocking mechanism when manually operated. This eliminates the need for separate warning indicator and unlocking knob components.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator knob is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both indication and unlocking operations. Its position relative to the seat backrest provides visual feedback about hook member engagement, while its manual operation transmits force through the transmission mechanism to disengage the latch member and unlock the seat back.
2Device complexity
If a single operating member is used for both indication and disengagement, then the number of parts is reduced and structure is simplified, but the component must perform multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator knob is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both indication and unlocking operations. Its position relative to the seat backrest provides visual feedback about hook member engagement, while its manual operation transmits force through the transmission mechanism to disengage the latch member and unlock the seat back.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating member is designed with distinct functional zones: a first portion that provides visual indication when protruding from the seat backrest, and a second portion that transmits operational force when manually moved. This segmentation of functions within a unified component allows it to perform multiple roles effectively.
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
This solution reduces the number of parts, enhances operational simplicity, and maintains robust locking performance by allowing a single component to serve dual functions, improving user experience and reducing potential for mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring biased to rotate the hook member in the first rotating direction
Implementation Method 2
a second spring biased to rotate the operating member in the first rotating direction
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle seat lock, an operating knob is provided at the top of the seat back of a chair. The operating knob is joined to the inner end of the bell crank at the lower end. The bell crank is pivotally secured to a bracket in the seat back. The outer end of the bell crank has the first and second elongate openings. The upper end of the first connecting rod slidably engages in the first elongate opening, and the upper end of the second connecting rod slidably engages in the second elongate opening. The lower end of the first connecting rod is coupled to a sensing member which detects invasion of the striker. The lower end of the second connecting rod is coupled to an opening lever which allows a hook member to disengage from a striker fixed to the vehicle body.