Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclining devices for seats require a complex structure with multiple parts to moderate the forward swinging speed of the seat back without applying biasing force over the standing position, leading to a cumbersome design.
Innovation Solution
A reclining device with a simplified structure that includes a locking mechanism, a biasing member such as a spiral spring, and a switching mechanism to change the biasing direction of the seat back during its swinging motion, reducing the number of parts and maintaining control over the swinging speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reclining device is designed to prevent biasing force from being applied over the standing position of the seat back, then the forward swinging speed is moderated and safety is improved, but the structure becomes complex with multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the biasing member and switching mechanism into an integrated reclining device assembly. The biasing member is configured to automatically switch its biasing direction through a switching mechanism that is part of the same assembly, eliminating the need for separate control systems or multiple independent components. This merging approach moderates the forward swinging speed while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Speed
If various parts are added to achieve the configuration that forward biasing force is not applied over the standing position, then the seat back swinging speed is controlled, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic switching mechanism that automatically changes the biasing direction of the biasing member during the seat back's swinging motion. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to control the seat back swinging speed at different stages of motion without requiring additional static structural components. The switching mechanism activates only when needed during the swinging process, maintaining speed control while minimizing the number of permanent parts.
3Speed
If the biasing direction is switched during the swinging movement, then the forward swinging speed is moderated, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is designed to automatically switch the biasing direction based on the seat back's position during swinging movement, without requiring external control systems or additional actuators. The mechanism self-activates through the motion itself, using the swinging movement to trigger the direction change. This self-service approach moderates the forward swinging speed while keeping the mechanism relatively simple, as it leverages the existing motion rather than adding complex control systems.
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 effectively moderates the forward and backward swinging speeds of the seat back with a reduced number of parts, enhancing safety and simplicity in design while allowing for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the seat back in one direction so as to swing the seat back in the one direction when the locking mechanism is unlocked
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a seat including: a seat back; a seat cushion; and a reclining device that couples the seat back to the seat cushion in a swingable manner in one and another directions, wherein the reclining device includes: a locking mechanism that locks and unlocks swinging movement of the seat back; a biasing member that biases the seat back in one direction so as to swing the seat back in the one direction when the locking mechanism is unlocked; and a switching mechanism that switches a biasing direction of the biasing member for the seat back to another direction in a middle of the swinging movement of the seat back.