Seat Recliner Brake Mechanism With Nested Locking Plate Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat reclining brake devices suffer from increased size and limited fixing force due to the frictional force generated by an elastic body, which affects the stability and efficiency of fixing the seatback to the seat cushion.
Innovation Solution
A seat reclining brake device with a socket housing and locking plate that engage through a fixing portion, utilizing an elastic body to maintain engagement and a lever to disengage the fixing portion upon rotation, enhancing the fixing force and reducing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an external brake unit with elastic body friction is used to fix the seatback, then the seatback can be held in position, but the device size increases and the fixing force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The brake unit is integrated into the recliner structure, with the locking plate and socket housing nested within the existing mechanism. The locking plate rotates within the socket housing, and the elastic body is contained within the accommodating space of the socket housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device size while maintaining fixing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking plate with fixing portion, the socket housing with accommodating space, and the elastic body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the locking plate provides structural engagement, the socket housing provides containment and positioning, and the elastic body provides the necessary frictional force, collectively achieving high fixing force in a compact package
2Reliability
If an external brake unit with elastic body friction is used, then the seatback can be fixed, but the fixing force is limited by frictional force
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the locking plate and socket housing use rigid materials for structural strength and precise geometric engagement, while the elastic body uses a material with high friction coefficient and elastic properties. This composite approach creates a system where the rigid components provide reliable geometric locking and the elastic component provides enhanced frictional holding force, achieving superior fixing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two fixing mechanisms into one unified system: geometric locking through the fixing portion engagement between locking plate and socket housing, and frictional holding through the elastic body rubbing against the socket housing. This combination of positive mechanical engagement and friction-based holding creates a redundant fixing system that is more reliable than either mechanism alone, ensuring the seatback remains securely fixed
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
Improves the fixing force of the seatback to the seat cushion by engaging through a fixing portion, reducing the device's volume, and providing enhanced convenience and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body inserted into the accommodating space to apply an elastic force to the locking plate in the direction in which the fixing portion is engaged
Implementation Method 2
a fixing portion formed at a position facing the locking plate and the socket housing, engaged with each other to block the relative rotation of the locking plate and the socket housing
Implementation Method 3
a lever that is rotatably fastened to one side of the socket housing and includes a fixing release portion extending toward the socket housing, having an inclining portion formed therein, and when the lever is rotated, moving along the inclining portion in the direction opposite the direction in which the elastic body applies the elastic force to disengage the fixing portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A seat reclining brake device for a vehicle includes a socket housing (100) having an accommodating space (110), a locking plate (200) inserted into accommodating space and coupled to a rotating shaft, a fixing portion (300) formed at a position facing the locking plate and the socket housing, engaged with each other to block a relative rotation of the locking plate and socket housing or disengaged with each other, an elastic body (400) inserted into accommodating space to apply an elastic force to locking plate in the direction in which the fixing portion is engaged, and a lever (500) that is rotatably fastened to socket housing and includes a fixing release portion (510) extending toward socket housing, having an inclining portion (511), and when the lever is rotated, moving along an inclining portion of the locking plate in the direction opposite the direction in which the elastic body applies the elastic force to disengage the fixing portion.