Motorized Seat Recliner Latch for Stepless Angle Adjustment
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclining devices for vehicle seats have weak structural strength, increased cost, and weight due to multiple parts, and lack the ability to adjust seatback angles continuously and comfortably.
Innovation Solution
A reclining device with a striker module and latch system, driven by a motor, allows for stepless adjustment of seatback angles through a lead screw and guide mechanism, enabling the striker to move in a straight line and the latch to follow a rotation trajectory, supported by a guide bracket and guide wire, with a hook portion to define the maximum angle range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a 3-point fixing type multistage latch structure is used to improve strength, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to adjust seatback angles continuously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static multistage latch structure to a dynamic system where the striker can continuously move along an arc-shaped trajectory. The latch engages with the striker at different positions along this trajectory, enabling continuous angle adjustment while maintaining structural strength through the engaged connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by using an arc-shaped trajectory instead of linear or fixed-position engagement. The striker moves along a curved path, and the latch engages at various points on this arc, adding rotational dimensional freedom while maintaining the 3-point fixing strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If many parts are used in the reclining device, then the seatback can be adjusted at various angles, but the cost and weight of the product are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system. The striker module integrates the adjustment mechanism, the latch combines locking and engagement functions, and the guide bracket merges support and guidance roles. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts while maintaining multi-angle adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The striker serves multiple functions: it engages with the latch for positioning, moves along the arc-shaped trajectory for angle adjustment, and its position defines the seatback angle. The latch simultaneously provides locking and engagement functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Device complexity
If manual lever lifting is used to adjust seatback angle, then the mechanism is simple, but the adjustment process is uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual lever lifting mechanism with an electric motor-driven system. The motor rotates the lead screw, which converts rotational motion to linear motion of the striker along the arc-shaped trajectory. This substitution eliminates the need for manual effort while maintaining mechanical precision through the lead screw mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw acts as an intermediary between the motor's rotational output and the striker's linear motion along the arc. It translates the motor's rotation into precise positional control of the striker, enabling comfortable automated operation while maintaining mechanical simplicity and control precision.
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
Enables comfortable, continuous adjustment of seatback angles from 10° to 50°, reducing weight and cost by simplifying the structure and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw (10) installed on the vehicle body (7) along a linear trajectory on which the striker (30) moves, and a moving block (20) in threaded engagement with the lead screw (10) in a screw structure, configured to move in a straight line along the lead screw (10)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a reclining device for a seat, which can adjust a seatback at various angles through movement of a striker installed in a vehicle body. The reclining device for a seat includes a latch installed on a side of a seatback and configured to be rotated together with the seatback, and a striker module in which the latch is engaged with a striker installed in a vehicle body, where the striker moves in a certain section overlapping a rotation trajectory of the latch in a state where the latch is engaged and reclines the seatback together with the latch.