Vehicle Seat Locking Unit with Axial Blocking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat locking units experience high friction between blocking and securing elements, leading to increased force requirements for locking, which can be inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A locking unit design where the blocking element can move parallel to the axial direction, reducing friction by sliding perpendicular to the securing element's movement, and incorporating a spring washer with a spring arm that automatically blocks the securing element, thereby reducing the force needed for locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the blocking element is fixed relative to the securing element, then the locking unit structure is simple, but the friction between blocking and securing elements is high
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be movable relative to the securing element along the axial direction, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This movement capability allows the blocking element to clear from the securing element's path during locking, reducing friction while maintaining structural simplicity through guided motion constraints
2Device complexity
If the blocking element slides along the securing element, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the friction and force requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sliding the blocking element along the securing element's movement path (same dimension), the blocking element moves in a different dimension (axial direction perpendicular to the securing element's rotation plane). This dimensional change allows the blocking element to clear the securing element's path without increasing mechanism complexity, reducing the force needed for locking operation
3Device complexity
If the blocking element is integrated with the rotary latch, then the number of parts is reduced, but the weight and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is separated from the rotary latch as an independent component, allowing it to be optimized individually. This segmentation enables the blocking element to be made thinner and lighter while maintaining its blocking function, reducing the overall weight and space of the locking mechanism despite increasing the number of parts
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 reduces friction and the locking force required, resulting in a more efficient and compact locking mechanism with improved robustness and weight savings.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking element can be moved relative to the securing element in a direction parallel to the axial direction... the friction between the blocking element and the securing element when locking the locking unit is reduced
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a spring washer with a spring arm that automatically blocks the securing element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking unit (10) for a vehicle seat (1), comprising a rotary latch (20) which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a first pivoting axis (61), between an opened position and a closed position, and at least one securing element (30, 40) which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a second pivoting axis (62) which runs in an axial direction and has the purpose of securing the closed position of the rotary latch (20), and a blocking element (81) which, when the rotary latch (20) is in the opened position, blocks the securing element (30, 40) in an opened position. The blocking element (81) is movable here relative to the securing element (30, 40), in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat (1) which comprises at least one locking unit according to the invention.