Vehicle Seat Locking Device Pull Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking devices, particularly in aircraft, require additional movements beyond the unlocking rotation to move the object from a stowed position, which can be cumbersome and unsafe, especially in emergency situations, and do not provide adequate comfort or security for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat locking device with a pull-actuation unit that allows the object to be unlocked and moved with a single pulling movement, featuring a locking element pivotably mounted perpendicularly to the object surface, a recessed grip for safe handling, and a spring-based restoring unit for automatic return, ensuring secure locking and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotational movement is used to unlock the locking element, then the locking element can be released from the locked position, but an additional second movement in the plane of rotation is required to move the object out of the stowed position, which complicates the operation and reduces passenger comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unlocking function and the object release function into a single pulling movement. The pull-actuation unit is designed so that one continuous pulling action simultaneously unlocks the locking element from its locked position and releases the object from the stowed position, eliminating the need for separate rotational movements and simplifying the overall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotational movement as in conventional locking devices, the patent inverts the actuation mechanism to use a pulling movement. This inversion allows the locking element to be actuated in a direction that naturally translates into both unlocking and object release through the pull-actuation unit's mechanical design, reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the locking element is designed as a hook or toggle mounted on the backrest unit, then the object can be locked in the stowed position, but the locking element requires a large grip area which may pose safety risks in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a compact gripping area for safe passenger interaction and a separate locking engagement area. The pull-actuation unit is designed with a grip portion that is intentionally small and ergonomically shaped, while the locking mechanism itself remains robust. This segmentation allows the grip area to be minimized for safety without compromising the reliability of the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-actuation unit serves as an intermediary between the passenger's hand and the locking element. It translates the passenger's pulling action into the necessary mechanical movement to unlock and release the object, while isolating the passenger from direct contact with the potentially hazardous locking element geometry. This intermediary function allows for a small, safe grip area while maintaining reliable locking through the mechanism's design.
3Reliability
If the locking unit is designed to lock the object independently of external influences, then reliable locking is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with self-latching features that automatically maintain the locked position without requiring continuous external force or complex control systems. Once the object is placed in the stowed position, the locking element automatically engages and secures it, providing reliable locking that is independent of external vibrations or movements. The simplicity of the pull-actuation unit maintains ease of operation by requiring only a single pulling action to both unlock and release the object.
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
Enhances passenger comfort and safety by allowing easy, single-handed operation of the locking mechanism, secure locking of objects in stowed positions, and reduced risk of injury from large grips or clothing entanglement, while maintaining reliability and familiarity in handling.
Implementation Method 1
The restoring unit (34) is intended to automatically move the locking element (16) back into an initial position
Implementation Method 2
The pull-actuation unit (18) is intended to be actuated by a pulling movement on the locking element (16)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat locking device (10) with at least one object (12), in particular a table, and with at least one locking unit (14) which has at least one locking element (16) and is designed to lock the object (12) in at least one stowed position. It is proposed that the locking unit (14) has at least one pull actuation unit (18) which is designed to be actuated by a pull movement on the locking element (16), which in at least one movement segment has at least one movement component in the direction of movement of the object (12).