Seat Recliner Interlock Mechanism for Full-Forward and Fold-Flat Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat recliner mechanisms for vehicles lack a reliable interlock system to prevent unintended movement of the seatback beyond the full-forward position or into a fold-flat configuration, especially for single-pivot axis mechanisms, which can lead to accidental collapse or lifting.
Innovation Solution
A seat control mechanism with an interlock device featuring a lock plate and stop bracket system, actuated by a single handle, that locks the seatback in both the full-forward and fold-flat positions, using a biasing mechanism to maintain the locked position until the handle is activated to release it, preventing unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-pivot axis recliner mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of locking the seatback in full-forward and fold-flat positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
An interlock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single-pivot axis recliner mechanism and the seatback, providing reliable locking at full-forward and fold-flat positions without requiring a complex multi-pivot system. The interlock includes a lock plate that engages with a stop bracket to prevent inadvertent movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The recliner system is segmented into two functional parts: the single-pivot axis recliner mechanism for basic adjustment, and a separate interlock mechanism for positioning and locking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the recliner mechanism remains simple while the interlock provides reliable positioning.
2Reliability
If multiple handles or levers are provided for positioning the seatback, then the reliability of position control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism combines multiple positioning functions (full-forward lock, fold-flat lock, and recliner release) into a single integrated system. The lock plate and stop bracket work together with the existing recliner handle to provide reliable position control without requiring separate handles or levers.
3Ease of operation
If no interlock system is provided, then the ease of operation is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to accidental collapse or lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism provides passive safety through self-engaging lock plates and stop brackets that automatically secure the seatback at full-forward and fold-flat positions. The system serves itself by using the existing recliner mechanism's movement to trigger the interlock engagement and disengagement without requiring additional user actions.
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 interlock device effectively prevents inadvertent collapse or lifting of the seatback, ensuring it remains securely locked in desired positions, enhancing user safety and convenience by simplifying the operation with a single handle that cooperates with the recliner mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased to move the lock plate to the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A seat control mechanism for a seat frame has an interlock device that includes a lock plate slidably coupled to a seatback for movement between a locked and a released position. A stop bracket is coupled to a seat bottom and has a first end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seatback is in a full-forward position and a second end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seat back is in a fold-flat position. An actuator moves the lock plate from the locked to the released position to release the lock plate and permit movement of the seatback between the full-forward position and the fold-flat position. The lock plate is biased toward the locked position to engage the ends of the stop bracket to lock the seat back in either the full-forward or the fold-flat position after releasing the actuator.