Vehicle Seat Easy-Entry System Pawl Fitting Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing easy-entry systems for vehicle seats are complex and costly, requiring multiple components and Bowden cables to limit the pivoting range of the backrest, which increases weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified easy-entry system using a fitting with a carrier profile and a transmission element, where the unlocking lever is connected indirectly to the transmission element, and a comfort lever engages with the carrier profile to limit the backrest's pivoting range through a pawl, eliminating the need for Bowden cables and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bowden cables and multiple components are used to limit the pivoting range of the backrest, then the pivoting range can be controlled, but the weight and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the Bowden cable from the system and replaces it with a direct mechanical connection between the unlocking lever and the transmission element. The pivoting range limitation function is extracted from the Bowden cable mechanism and integrated into the fitting structure through the pawl and carrier profile, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the pivoting range control function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the fitting structure: the fitting both connects the backrest to the vehicle floor and limits the pivoting range through the integrated pawl and carrier profile. The unlocking lever directly actuates the transmission element, merging the unlocking and pivoting range control functions into a single mechanical linkage system
2Reliability
If Bowden cables and multiple components are used to limit the pivoting range of the backrest, then the pivoting range can be controlled, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the Bowden cable from the system, removing its weight contribution. The pivoting range control function is achieved through a lighter mechanical linkage system consisting of the unlocking lever, transmission element, and fitting with pawl, reducing the overall weight while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flexible cable (Bowden cable) to transmit force and limit pivoting, the patent uses a rigid mechanical linkage where the pawl engages with the carrier profile on the transmission element. This inverted approach uses direct mechanical engagement rather than flexible cable tension, resulting in a lighter and more efficient weight-to-function ratio
3Reliability
If multiple components and Bowden cables are used, then the pivoting range can be limited, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the Bowden cable assembly and associated mounting hardware, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled. The fitting with integrated pawl and carrier profile can be manufactured as a single component or pre-assembled unit, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting structure is designed to combine multiple functions: structural support, pivoting range limitation through pawl-carrier profile engagement, and transmission element mounting. This consolidation reduces the total component count and assembly steps, directly lowering manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining reliable pivoting range control
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 system achieves a lower weight and cost-effective design with fewer components, ensuring secure holding of the backrest in the easy-entry position and allowing for comfortable adjustment and loading floor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element 8 which can be prestressed and released during a relative movement between the pawl and the backrest
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an easy-entry system for a vehicle seat, having at least one fitting (5) with at least one fitting component (B) and a driver profile (5.1), wherein the at least one fitting component (B) is coupled to a transmission element (6), and an unlocking lever (3) of the easy-entry system is connected at least indirectly to the transmission element (6), wherein a comfort lever (4) of a backrest (1.1) engages with the driver profile (5.1), and a pivot region of the backrest (1.1) is limited by means of a pawl (7), which engages in the at least one fitting (5), when the easy-entry function is initiated, wherein engagement of the pawl (7) into the at least one fitting (5) can be cancelled by operating the comfort lever (4) for adjusting a position of the backrest (1.1). The invention additionally relates to a vehicle seat comprising an easy-entry system of this kind.