Vehicle Seat Reclining Torsion Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle seat reclining systems are prone to disengagement of the torsion spring from the operating shaft due to axial clearance, leading to instability in the reclining mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle seat design incorporates a torsion spring mounted between the outer end portion of the operating shaft and the frame portion, with the inner end portion engaged with the operating shaft and the outer end portion engaged with the frame, ensuring the spring remains attached even when the operating shaft is displaced axially, and the spring is shaped to match the angular portion of the operating shaft for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the operating shaft is designed with axial clearance to enable assembly and movement, then the ease of manufacture and operation is improved, but the torsion spring becomes prone to disengagement leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A collar is introduced as an intermediary component between the torsion spring and the operating shaft. The collar is fitted onto the operating shaft and engages with the torsion spring, serving as a mediator that prevents the spring from disengaging while allowing the necessary axial movement and assembly clearance to be maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from relying solely on axial positioning to incorporating radial engagement through the collar. The collar provides radial constraint on the torsion spring while allowing axial movement, effectively using a different dimensional approach (radial dimension) to solve the axial disengagement problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating shaft is displaced axially due to clearance, then the mechanism maintains operational flexibility, but the torsion spring may be compressed and disengaged from the shaft end
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as a protective intermediary that shields the torsion spring from direct axial displacement effects. When the operating shaft moves axially, the collar moves with it while maintaining engagement with the spring, preventing the spring from being compressed off the shaft end.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar provides beforehand protection by being pre-positioned on the operating shaft to engage the torsion spring. This preventive measure ensures that even when axial displacement occurs during operation, the spring is already protected from disengagement before the displacement happens.
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
This configuration prevents the torsion spring from being disengaged from the operating shaft, maintaining the reclining mechanism's stability and allowing for adjustable reclining angles without compromising the locking function.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring mounted between an outer end portion of the operating shaft which protrudes from the reclining device outward as viewed in a width direction of the seat, and a frame portion that constitutes the seat back or the seat cushion
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining device includes an operating shaft that is inserted through the reclining device in its axial direction to be mounted, and is adapted to release the reclining device from a locked position, and a torsion spring mounted between an outer end portion of the operating shaft which protrudes from the reclining device outward in a width direction of the seat, and a frame portion that is located outside the reclining device in the seat width direction. The operating shaft is constantly biased by the torsion spring in a rotational direction for locking the reclining device. The torsion spring is mounted onto the outer end portion of the operating shaft in the axial direction from an outer side of the seat, and has an inner end portion which is engaged with the operating shaft, and an outer end portion which is engaged with the frame portion.