Vehicle Seat Rail Locking Device with Nested Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking devices for vehicle seat rails protrude outward, inefficiently using the space between the fixed and moving rails, which is a challenge for maximizing space utilization in vehicles equipped with various convenience devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking device featuring locking pins, elastic locking springs, and an unlocking lever that allows the locking pins to insert into and retract from holes in the fixed rail, enabling secure locking and unlocking without unnecessary protrusions, utilizing a rotational shaft and spring mechanism for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking devices protrude outward from fixed rail and moving rail, then locking function is achieved, but space utilization under seat becomes complicated and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is nested within the moving rail structure, with the locking pin body disposed inside the moving rail and only the tip protruding when needed. The unlocking lever is also integrated within the moving rail structure. This nesting approach allows the locking mechanism to function while minimizing protrusion and maximizing space utilization under the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a protruding external structure to an integrated internal structure by changing the spatial arrangement. The locking pin moves along the longitudinal axis of the moving rail, inserting into holes in the fixed rail from within the moving rail body, thereby eliminating the need for external protrusions.
2Volume of moving object
If locking device parts are minimized to improve space usage, then space utilization improves, but locking and unlocking operation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring automatically pushes the locking pin into the locked position by applying elastic force, eliminating the need for manual intervention to achieve locking. The unlocking lever, when actuated, automatically releases the locking pin from the locked position. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions. The unlocking lever provides dynamic control by rotating about a rotational shaft to move the locking pin. This dynamic design enables easy operation within a compact structure.
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 allows for a compact design that maximizes space usage by preventing unnecessary protrusions and enables easy locking and unlocking of the seat rail, enhancing the efficiency of space utilization around the seat rail system.
Implementation Method 1
locking springs disposed around the locking pins and applying an elastic force to the locking pins against the moving rail to make the locked state
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a locking device which includes a fixed rail, a moving rail sliding relative to the fixed rail, locking pins arranged along the moving rail, locking springs disposed around the locking pins, and an unlocking lever rotating around a shaft fixed to the moving rail so as to relieve the locking pins from a locked state where the locking pins are inserted into the holes. The present disclosure thereby provides the locking device for a seat rail having a compact configuration.