Vehicle Seat Reclining Gear Plate Wedge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat reclining apparatuses for vehicles are prone to loosening during vehicle vibrations or oscillations due to inadequate wedging action, as the pair of wedge members is only supported by two contact points, leading to ineffective locking of the relative rotation between the inner and outer gear plates.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an inner gear plate with inner teeth and a center cylindrical portion, an outer gear plate with fewer outer teeth, and multiple wedge members positioned within clearances to provide stable contact points, with a biasing member locking the relative rotation and an operating mechanism to shift the wedge members, ensuring effective wedging action even during vehicle vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pair of wedge members is positioned within the clearance between the outer gear plate and inner gear plate, then the relative rotation of the gear plates is locked, but the wedge members are easily loosened during vehicle vibrations because they are supported by only two contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The single pair of wedge members (first and second wedge members) is segmented into multiple pairs by introducing third and fourth wedge members. This segmentation distributes the locking function across multiple contact points, preventing any single wedge member from being easily dislodged during vibrations while maintaining the overall locking stability of the gear plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge members are extended from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional arrangement by positioning them at different angular positions around the clearance. The third and fourth wedge members are positioned in spaces formed by the first/second wedge members and the center cylindrical portion, creating a multi-dimensional support structure that resists vibrational forces from multiple directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of inner teeth of the inner gear plate is different from the number of outer teeth of the outer gear plate, then a clearance is provided for wedge member positioning, but the wedge members move easily during vehicle oscillations due to insufficient support points
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance space is segmented into multiple regions by positioning four wedge members at different angular positions. The third and fourth wedge members occupy spaces between the first/second wedge members and the center cylindrical portion, effectively utilizing the entire clearance volume and creating multiple support points that enhance wedging action reliability during vehicle oscillations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge members are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the clearance, with the third and fourth wedge members positioned in angular spaces not occupied by the first and second wedge members. This multi-dimensional arrangement maximizes the utilization of the clearance space while providing redundant support points that prevent wedge member displacement during vehicle oscillations.
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 provides a stable and stationary seat reclining mechanism by ensuring the wedge members maintain contact with multiple points, reducing backlash and play between the gear plates, thus preventing loosening during vehicle vibrations and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member biasing the third wedge member and the fourth wedge member in a direction wherein the respective first and second spaces are narrower while biasing the first wedge member and the second wedge member in the direction wherein the clearance is narrower and locking a relative rotation of the inner gear plate and the outer gear plate
Data Source
AI summary
A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle includes an inner gear plate, an outer gear plate, a first wedge member and a second wedge member positioned within a clearance formed between a peripheral of a center opening of the outer gear plate and a center cylindrical portion of the inner gear plate while outer teeth and inner teeth are meshed with one another, a third wedge member and a fourth wedge member positioned within respective spaces formed between the first wedge member and the center cylindrical portion of the inner gear plate, and the second wedge member and the center cylindrical portion of the inner gear plate, respectively, a first biasing member locking a relative rotation of the inner gear plate and the outer gear plate, and an operating portion allowing the relative rotation of the outer gear plate and the inner gear plate.