Vehicle Seat Locking Unit Axial Pawl Claw Offset
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking units for vehicle seats require significant space and weight due to their multi-part design, which complicates the integration of holding, support, and release functions, leading to inefficiencies in load distribution and noise issues during dynamic movements.
Innovation Solution
A locking unit design featuring a pawl and claw arrangement, where the pawl and claw are axially offset and connected to allow for optimal spatial nesting, reducing the overall size and weight while improving load distribution and noise reduction by minimizing contact angle changes during locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rotary latch with multiple contours is used, then holding, support, and release functions are integrated, but the locking unit requires significant space and has high weight
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary latch is divided into two separate components: a pawl that performs holding and support functions, and a claw that performs release functions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining functional integration through their coordinated operation around a common pivot axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane rotary latch design to a multi-dimensional arrangement where the pawl and claw are offset axially but rotate about the same pivot axis. This dimensional change allows both components to occupy different spatial zones while maintaining functional coordination, reducing the overall envelope volume and weight.
2Device complexity
If a rotary latch with multiple contours is used, then holding, support, and release functions are integrated, but the locking unit requires significant installation space
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rotary latch into a pawl and a claw, each component can be minimized in size for its specific function. The pawl is optimized for holding and support with minimal material, while the claw is optimized for the release function, collectively reducing the total installation space required compared to a monolithic rotary latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl and claw are arranged concentrically around a common pivot axis, with the claw positioned axially offset from the pawl. This nested arrangement allows both components to share the same rotational space, minimizing the radial envelope and overall installation footprint of the locking unit.
3Reliability
If the pawl pivots extensively to maintain contact, then contact with locking bolt is maintained, but noise increases during dynamic movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tensioning element that dynamically adjusts the contact force between the pawl and locking bolt based on operational conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliable contact during normal operation while minimizing excessive movement and associated noise during dynamic excitations, as the tensioning element absorbs variations in load and position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking unit (10) for a vehicle seat (1), comprising a pawl (80) which is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position and has a retaining contour (27) for securing a locking pin (12) in the closed position. At least one claw (90, 91, 92) is mounted pivotably here about the same pivot axis in a manner offset in the axial direction with respect to the pawl (80), wherein the claw (90, 91, 92) has a closing contour (25), wherein the pawl (80) is pivotable from the open position into the closed position by the closing contour (25) being acted upon by the locking pin (12).