Vehicle Seat Locking Mechanism for Single-Pull Table Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking devices, particularly in aircraft, require multiple movements to unlock and move objects from a stowed position, which can be cumbersome and unsafe, especially during emergency situations, and do not provide adequate comfort or security for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat locking device with a pull actuating unit that allows for the object to be unlocked and moved with a single pulling movement, featuring a pivotable locking element mounted on the object, a recessed grip for reduced injury risk, and a reset unit for automatic return to the start position, enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism with a rotatable locking element is used, then the object can be locked securely in the stowed position, but multiple movements are required to unlock and move the object, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking element for securing, a pull actuating unit for triggering, and a reset unit for automatic return. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling the object to be unlocked and moved with a single pulling movement while maintaining secure locking when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be dynamically switchable between locked and unlocked states through a single pulling movement. The pull actuating unit enables the locking element to transition from its initial locked position to an unlocked position, allowing the object to pivot from the stowed position. The reset unit then automatically returns the locking element to its initial position, providing dynamic responsiveness that improves ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If the locking element is mounted to be rotatable in a rotational plane parallel to the object surface, then the locking mechanism can be compact, but the object requires a further second movement in addition to the unlocking movement to move out of the stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking action and the movement of the object from the stowed position are merged into a single motion sequence. When the pull actuating unit is actuated, it simultaneously unlocks the locking element and allows the object to pivot outward in one continuous movement, eliminating the need for a separate second movement and reducing the overall complexity of the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull actuating unit is designed to perform the unlocking action as a preliminary step that automatically enables the object's movement. By preparing the locking element in advance through the pulling movement, the system eliminates the need for additional movements, as the unlocking and movement are coupled in a single predetermined sequence.
3Ease of operation
If a pull actuating unit is added to enable single-movement unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull actuating unit serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuation mechanism for unlocking, serves as a trigger for the reset unit, and provides a user interface for operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset unit is designed to automatically return the locking element to its initial locked position without requiring manual intervention after the object has been moved. This self-service feature eliminates the need for additional actuating mechanisms, allowing the system to maintain improved ease of operation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through automatic resetting functionality.
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
The solution enables easy, secure, and comfortable operation of the locking mechanism with a single hand movement, improving passenger safety and comfort by simplifying the handling process and reducing the risk of accidents during emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element (16) is mounted on an object (12) so as to be pivotable in a pivot plane (56) which is aligned vertically with respect to an object surface (30) of the object (12)
Implementation Method 2
The locking unit (14) has a pull actuating unit (18) which is provided for the purpose of being actuatable as a result of a pulling movement on the locking element (16)
Implementation Method 3
The reset unit (34) is realized as a spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat locking device includes at least one object, in particular a table, and at least one locking unit which has at least one locking element and is provided for the purpose of locking the object in at least one stowed position. The locking unit has at least one pull actuating unit which is provided for the purpose of being actuatable as a result of a pulling movement on the locking element, the pulling movement having, in at least one movement portion, at least one movement component in the movement direction of the object.