Powered Seat Release Actuator for Multi-Latch Cable Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered actuators lack the flexibility to adjust force and travel distance for various latches and locks, and often require multiple actuators to manage multiple locking mechanisms, which can be inefficient and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A powered actuator with a single electric motor that drives a rotating output member, connected to cables through links or cams, allowing for adjustable force, travel distance, and timing to accommodate different latch or lock requirements, enabling the actuation of multiple latches or locks with sequential release mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple powered actuators are used to manage multiple locking mechanisms, then each latch or lock can be actuated independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single powered actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by actuating different latches or locks through a shared transmission mechanism. The actuator can selectively engage different cables (first cable for first latch, second cable for second latch) to provide independent actuation capability without requiring separate actuators for each locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuation functions are merged into a single powered actuator unit. The transmission mechanism integrates multiple output shafts or cable routing paths within one actuator housing, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators into a single unified device
2Device complexity
If a single powered actuator is used for multiple latches or locks, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide different force and travel distance requirements for each latch or lock is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism incorporates adjustable or variable elements that allow the actuator to dynamically adapt its output characteristics. The cable routing, linkages, or gear ratios can be configured or adjusted to provide different force magnitudes and travel distances for each latch or lock, enabling a single actuator to meet diverse actuation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the transmission mechanism are designed with locally optimized properties. Each cable path or output shaft can have tailored mechanical advantages, lever arm lengths, or gear ratios to deliver the specific force and travel distance needed for each particular latch or lock, allowing customized performance from a single actuator
3Manufacturing precision
If the actuator is configured for specific force and travel distance requirements, then precision is improved, but the manufacturing and reconfiguration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is divided into modular, interchangeable components such as separate cable assemblies, adjustable linkages, or selectable gear sets. This segmentation allows precise configuration for different force and travel distance requirements while simplifying manufacturing and reconfiguration, as individual modules can be independently manufactured and assembled in different combinations
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 actuator provides a versatile solution that can be configured to meet specific latch or lock requirements, enabling efficient and flexible operation of multiple locking mechanisms with a single motor, enhancing the functionality and adaptability in applications like vehicle seat folding systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may include a single electric motor that drives a rotating output member
Implementation Method 2
the rotating output member may include a cam surface that operably engages the cables to thereby provide the required force and/or timing and/or distance of travel for each of the cables
Data Source
AI summary
A powered actuator includes a rotating output member that may be operatively connected to one or more cables or mechanical links for release/actuation of a lock, latch, or the like, of a vehicle seat or other component. The powered actuator may be configured to provide a required force on the release cable and/or a required distance of travel. The actuator may also be configured to provide for proper timing of the movement of the release cables if required for a particular application.