Vehicle Seat Lock Mechanism Side Operation Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat sliding and adjusting mechanisms cannot effectively utilize the space between the seat cushion and the floor due to the placement of the U-shaped operation handle under the seat cushion.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle seat design includes a lock device with a pivotally connected lock member that can be unlocked by an operation mechanism with an operation handle on the side of the seat cushion, allowing the seat to be slid and locked without obstructing the space under the cushion, utilizing a pair of slide rail assemblies with elongated rails and a torsion spring for locking and unlocking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the U-shaped operation handle is disposed under the seat cushion, then the lock device can be constructed to lock the vehicle seat at a desired position, but the space between the seat cushion and the floor cannot be effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The operation handle is relocated from the vertical space under the seat cushion to the lateral dimension at the side of the seat cushion. This dimensional shift allows the handle to be positioned at the side of the seat cushion rather than underneath it, effectively freeing up the space between the seat cushion and the floor while maintaining the locking functionality through the side-mounted position.
2Volume of moving object
If the operation handle is positioned at the side of the seat cushion, then the space under the seat cushion can be utilized, but the link to the lock members becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the operation handle at the side, a connection link that transmits motion, and the lock members engaged with the slide rails. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the handle provides ergonomic operation at the side, the link transmits motion efficiently, and the lock members provide secure engagement, collectively resolving the complexity issue while maintaining space utilization.
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 design allows for the beneficial use of the space under the seat cushion by positioning the operation handle on the side, enabling efficient sliding and locking of the seat while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring for locking and unlocking functionality
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A vehicle seat (1) having a seat cushion (10) may include a pair of slide devices (30) disposed on a vehicle floor (F), a pair of lock devices (40) respectively provided to the slide devices (30), and an operation mechanism (M) of the lock devices (40). The slide devices (30) are arranged and constructed to slide the vehicle seat (1) on the vehicle floor (F). The lock devices (40) are capable of releasably locking the vehicle seat (1) at a desired position on the vehicle floor (F). The operation mechanism (M) includes a synchronization member (50) having an operation member (56). The synchronization member (50) is disposed above the slide devices (30) and is linked to the lock devices (40) via a linking mechanism (52, 54, 60).