Seat Reclining Apparatus Synchronized Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat reclining apparatuses often fail to reliably interlock reclining lock mechanisms on both sides of a vehicle seat, leading to delayed or incomplete unlocking operations, especially when using flexible cables, due to variations in cable tension and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A seat reclining apparatus with a first and second rotation member, where the second rotation member is operated by an operation member to rotate and transmit a rotation force to the first rotation member via an interlocking portion, ensuring synchronized unlocking of both reclining lock mechanisms through a coaxial support and force transmission mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible cables are used to interlock reclining lock mechanisms on both sides, then the connection member can accommodate movement and positioning variations, but the cable warp amount varies causing unreliable interlocking and delayed unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary force transmission mechanism consisting of a first rotation member directly connected to the first reclining lock mechanism, a second rotation member connected to the second reclining lock mechanism via cable, and an interlocking portion that couples these rotation members. This intermediary mechanism translates cable tension into synchronized rotational movement, ensuring reliable interlocking while accommodating cable flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a biasing member that applies elastic force to the first rotation member, and a rotation transmission portion with contact surfaces that enable controlled rotational movement. The system transitions from a static cable connection to a dynamic force transmission system that actively maintains synchronization between both reclining lock mechanisms during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cables with flexibility are used for interlocking, then positioning variations can be absorbed, but unlocking operation is significantly delayed or not performed in the appropriate range
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is pre-loaded to apply elastic force to the first rotation member in advance, preparing the system for synchronized unlocking. When the second rotation member moves, the pre-stored elastic energy in the biasing member immediately drives the first rotation member to follow, eliminating delays in the unlocking operation while maintaining positioning flexibility through the cable.
3Reliability
If reclining lock mechanisms are interlocked on both sides, then synchronized operation is achieved, but the complexity of the force transmission system increases with multiple connection members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force transmission functions into a unified system where the interlocking portion couples the first and second rotation members, and the biasing member provides centralized elastic force. This consolidated approach achieves synchronized operation of both reclining lock mechanisms while minimizing the number of separate connection members and simplifying the overall force transmission architecture.
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 design ensures reliable and synchronized unlocking of both reclining lock mechanisms, improving operation efficiency and space utilization by maintaining proper force transmission and alignment, preventing delayed or incomplete unlocking operations.
Implementation Method 1
the second rotation member rotates from the locking position toward the unlocking direction by a predetermined amount, subsequently transmits a rotation force to the first rotation member via the interlocking portion
Implementation Method 2
transmits a rotation force to the first rotation member via the interlocking portion to rotate the first rotation member toward the unlocking direction
Data Source
AI summary
A seat reclining apparatus includes: first and second reclining lock mechanisms that operate in a locked state and an unlocked state, where the locked state prevents a seat back from tilting and the unlocked state allows the tilting; a first rotation member that rotates toward an unlocking direction integrally with the shaft body to change the first reclining lock mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state; and a second rotation member that is operated to rotate by an operation member toward the unlocking direction to change the second reclining lock mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state via a cable. When the operation member is operated, the second rotation member rotates from the locking position toward the unlocking direction by a predetermined amount, subsequently transmits a rotation force to the first rotation member toward the unlocking direction via an interlocking portion.