Easy Entry Seat Memory Mechanism with Control Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat assemblies lack an effective mechanism to maintain the memory of the design position during easy entry and forward sliding, which complicates the adjustment process and passenger ingress/egress.
Innovation Solution
An easy entry memory mechanism is integrated into the seat assembly, utilizing a control cam, Bowden cables, and biasing springs to allow sliding movement between the design and full forward positions while maintaining the design position, by actuating the track locking mechanism in response to pivotal movement of the seat back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat assembly is allowed to slide fore and aft along the track assembly during easy entry, then passenger ingress and egress is facilitated, but the memory of the design position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The memory mechanism is segmented into separate components: a memory register that stores the design position information, and a control cam mechanism that manages the latching state. This segmentation allows the memory function to be preserved independently while enabling the seat to slide during easy entry operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A control cam acts as an intermediary between the seatback pivot movement and the latch mechanism. The control cam receives input from the seatback pivot and translates it into controlled latching/unlatching actions, while the memory register independently maintains position information. This intermediary mechanism allows the seat to slide without losing memory of the original design position.
2Ease of operation
If the track locking mechanism is actuated to allow sliding movement, then easy entry is enabled, but the seat assembly cannot maintain its design position
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on operational needs. The control cam mechanism dynamically adjusts the latching state: locked during normal operation to maintain design position stability, and unlocked during easy entry when the seatback is pivoted forward. This dynamic state management resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the latching parameter (locked/unlocked state) based on the seatback position parameter. When the seatback is in the upright or reclined position, the latch remains engaged to maintain design position stability. When the seatback is pivoted to the forwardly dumped position, the latch disengages to allow sliding movement for easy entry, thus adapting the stability parameter according to operational conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the seat back is pivotal coupled to allow forwardly dumped position, then easy entry release mechanism can be actuated, but the seat assembly position cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The memory register is preliminarily set to store the design position information before the easy entry operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the position memory is preserved throughout the entire easy entry sequence, including when the seatback is pivoted to the forwardly dumped position and the latch is disengaged. The memory is restored automatically when the seatback returns to the upright position.
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 mechanism ensures seamless sliding and pivotal movement, allowing easy entry and exit while maintaining the seat's design position, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A control cam is pivotally coupled to the upper track for rotation therebetween a first position, a second position and a third position in response to pivotal movement of the seat back between the upright seating position, the forwardly dumped position and the plurality of reclined positions
Implementation Method 2
A first return spring is coupled between the upper track and the control cam for biasing the control cam between the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 3
A second return spring is coupled between the upper track and the control cam for biasing the control cam between the second position and the third position
Implementation Method 4
A Bowden cable is coupled between the control cam and the track locking mechanism for actuating the track locking mechanism between the locked condition and the unlocked condition in response to rotation of the control cam
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a seat cushion and a seat back for pivotal movement between an upright seating position and a forwardly dumped position. A recliner mechanism is provided for selectively actuating between a locked and unlocked condition allowing the pivotal movement of the seat back. A seat track assembly provides selective actuation between a locked and unlocked condition allowing fore and aft sliding movement of the seat assembly between a design position and a full forward position. An easy entry memory mechanism is operatively coupled to the recliner mechanism and the seat track assembly for selectively actuating the seat track assembly to the unlocked condition and provide movement of the seat assembly to the full forward position in response to pivotal movement of the seat back to the forwardly dumped position while maintaining memory of the design position.