Vehicle Seat Release Handle with Arcuate Guide for Belt Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs with mid-mounted release handles require operators to stoop and use both hands to move the seat forward, which is ergonomically inefficient, especially with heavier seats, and create packaging issues when integrated seat belts are used, as the handle and belt paths often intersect.
Innovation Solution
A seat release handle is positioned higher on the squab with one end pivotally mounted and the other end forming an arcuate member that slides into a guide on the opposite side of the seat belt path, allowing the handle to extend over the seat belt without interfering with its operation, enabling one-handed movement and improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the release handle is positioned higher on the squab, then ergonomic efficiency and ease of operation improve, but the handle may interfere with the seat belt webbing path
Solution Approach 1:
The release handle is divided into two functional segments: a pivotally mounted end that provides the operational leverage point, and an arcuate member at the opposite end that slides into a guide means. This segmentation allows the handle to extend over the webbing path without interfering with webbing payout, as the arcuate member is positioned on the opposite side of the intended path of the seat belt
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate member acts as an intermediary element between the release handle and the seat belt webbing path. By sliding into the guide means disposed on the squab, the arcuate member mediates the spatial relationship between the handle and webbing, ensuring the handle can be positioned for ergonomic operation while the webbing passes freely underneath without interference
2Device complexity
If the release handle is positioned mid-way up the side of the seat squab, then packaging space is optimized, but ergonomic efficiency deteriorates requiring stooping and two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The release handle is repositioned from a mid-height location to a higher position on the outside edge of the seat squab, utilizing the vertical dimension more effectively. This dimensional change improves ergonomics by allowing operators to reach the handle without stooping and to use leverage more effectively, while the arcuate member's positioning ensures webbing clearance is maintained
3Ease of operation
If the seat release handle extends over the intended path of the seat belt, then the handle can be positioned at the optimal location, but the handle may interfere with seat belt webbing payout
Solution Approach 1:
The handle structure is segmented into a pivotally mounted end for operation and an arcuate member at the opposite end that engages with the guide means. This segmentation allows the handle to extend over the webbing path for optimal positioning while the arcuate member's engagement with the guide ensures the webbing can payout freely underneath without interference, maintaining both operational ease and belt reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate member serves as an intermediary that reconciles the conflicting requirements of handle positioning and webbing clearance. By sliding into the guide means disposed on the squab, it creates a mechanical arrangement where the handle can be positioned for optimal ergonomics and leverage, while the webbing passes through the space created by the arcuate member's position, ensuring reliable webbing payout
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A vehicle seat comprises a squab 1, a seat release handle 3 mounted on the squab and an aperture through which seat belt 10 may pay out, the seat release handle extending over the intended path of a seat belt payed out from the aperture. The seat release handle may be pivotally mounted to the seat squab and may comprise a guard member 3b arranged to lie between an operator's hand and the seat belt 10.