Vehicle Seat Locking Device with Integrated Prestressed Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking devices require significant installation space and are heavy due to the complexity of their component structures, which limits their efficiency and reliability, especially in crash scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight locking device design featuring a prestressed spring element that pivots the clamping eccentric from a locked to an unlocked position using a single actuating torque, reducing the number of components and installation space, with a ratchet compression spring ensuring the pawl moves into its unlocked position by gravity, and allowing for variable actuation connections via Bowden cables or electric drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple spring elements and separate unlocking mechanisms are used, then the locking device achieves reliable locking and unlocking functions, but the installation space and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spring elements into a single integrated prestressed spring element that performs multiple functions: it preloads the clamping eccentric, supports the unlocking element, and enables the unlocking action. This merging of components directly reduces the number of parts and installation space while maintaining the reliability of locking and unlocking functions
Solution Approach 2:
The prestressed spring element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a preloading mechanism for the clamping eccentric, provides support for the unlocking element, and enables the unlocking action through its elastic deformation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing installation space
2Reliability
If multiple spring elements and separate unlocking mechanisms are used, then the locking device achieves reliable locking and unlocking functions, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spring elements into a single integrated prestressed spring element that performs multiple functions: it preloads the clamping eccentric, supports the unlocking element, and enables the unlocking action. This merging of components directly reduces the number of parts and installation space while maintaining the reliability of locking and unlocking functions
Solution Approach 2:
The prestressed spring element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a preloading mechanism for the clamping eccentric, provides support for the unlocking element, and enables the unlocking action through its elastic deformation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing installation space
3Force
If a stronger spring element is used to increase restoring forces, then the actuating device can be reliably pushed back, but the actuating torque requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prestressed spring element is preloaded before the unlocking operation begins, storing elastic energy that automatically provides the necessary restoring force. This preliminary action means that when unlocking occurs, the pre-stored energy in the spring element immediately provides the force needed to push back the actuating device, without requiring additional actuating torque from the user or motor
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 minimizes installation space and weight while providing higher restoring forces for reliable operation, including crash scenarios, with reduced actuating torque requirements and adaptable actuation points within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
A prestressed spring element is arranged between the unlocking element and the clamping eccentric, through which the unlocking element is spring-loaded into its locking position and the clamping eccentric into its locking position
Implementation Method 2
Due to a corresponding installation position, the pawl can be moved into its unlocked position by gravity after a movement of the clamping eccentric into its unlocked position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor-vehicle seat, having a catch (9) which is mounted such that it can be pivoted about a second axis (3') and is intended for locking a mating element, and having a clamping eccentric (6) which is mounted such that it can be pivoted about a first axis (2'), parallel to the second axis (3'), between a locking position and an unlocking position and secures a locked state of the catch (9) by interaction with a first functional surface (34) of the catch (9), wherein, in the locked state of the catch (9), the clamping eccentric (6), which is spring-loaded into the locking position, acts on the first functional surface (34) via a clamping surface (23), wherein an unlocking element (8) is mounted such that it can be pivoted about the second axis (3') by an actuating device, counter to a spring force, out of a locking position into an unlocking position, it being possible for the clamping eccentric (6) to be pivoted along by the locking element, directly or indirectly, out of its locking position in the direction of its unlocking position, wherein the unlocking element (8) and the clamping eccentric (6) have arranged between them a bias spring element, by means of which the unlocking element (8) is spring-loaded into its locking position and the clamping eccentric (6) is spring-loaded into its locking position.