Motor Vehicle Seat Locking Device with Pivotable Rocker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle seat locking devices do not allow for sensitive adjustment of the rear seat backrest and are not convenient to operate, as they rely on rigid ratchet mechanisms that restrict intermediate positions and require manual actuation via Bowden cables.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle seat locking device with a pivotable rocker connected to a vehicle body-mounted base, allowing for any angular position, and equipped with a motorized drive that replaces manual actuation, enabling sensitive adjustment of the backrest inclination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a ratchet mechanism with fixed positions is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adjustment precision and sensitivity are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical ratchet mechanism with an electric motor-driven system. The motor (22) rotates the retaining bracket (3) continuously without fixed ratchet positions, enabling sensitive and continuous adjustment of the backrest inclination. This substitution eliminates the discrete positioning constraints of ratchet mechanisms while maintaining structural reliability through the motor's controlled rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual actuation via Bowden cable is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidactuation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual Bowden cable actuation system with an electric motor (22) that automatically rotates the retaining bracket (3). This eliminates the need for manual cable pulling and complex mechanical linkages, providing convenient operation through electrical control while simplifying the overall actuation system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If intermediate positions are not allowed, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the adaptability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition flexibilityVSAvoidlocking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static ratchet mechanism with fixed locking positions to a dynamic motor-driven system. The electric motor (22) enables the retaining bracket (3) to rotate to any intermediate position continuously, providing infinite position flexibility. The system maintains reliability through the motor's controlled operation and the catch mechanism that can secure the bracket in any position during rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11590864B2Motor vehicle seat locking device

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 KIEKERT AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle seat locking device, in particular a rear seat backrest locking device, equipped with a retaining bracket that is connected to a vehicle body and can move relative thereto, and with a catch, seat-mounted, for the retaining bracket. According to the invention, the retaining bracket is connected to a rocker that can pivot with respect to a vehicle body-mounted base, about an axis that is at a distance from the bracket.