Vehicle Seat Rotating Mechanism With Low-Height Detachment Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating devices for vehicle seats face challenges in reducing height while incorporating detachment suppression mechanisms, preventing foreign matter entry into rotation mechanisms, managing electrical equipment space, and avoiding damage to electric wires during rotation.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a rotating device with latching and engagement means positioned outside the rotating member to suppress detachment and foreign matter entry, incorporates a cover to protect the rotation mechanism, and uses a compact ECU housing and wire retaining members to manage space and wire sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detachment suppression means is incorporated into the rotating device, then the reliability of preventing detachment is improved, but the height of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching means and engagement means are positioned radially outward from the rotating member rather than vertically, transitioning the detachment suppression mechanism from a vertical arrangement to a radial arrangement. This dimensional change allows the means to suppress detachment effectively while maintaining a compact vertical profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means is positioned at a location that overlaps with the rotating member when viewed from the side, allowing the same structural element to serve dual purposes: maintaining compact height and providing detachment suppression functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the rotation mechanism is exposed to allow easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but foreign matter can enter the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
A cover member made of a flexible or removable material is used to enclose the rotation mechanism. This cover prevents foreign matter from entering the mechanism while allowing operators to easily remove or open it for maintenance and operation purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical equipment is added to the rotating device, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating member is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains the vehicle seat, enables rotation, and provides mounting for electrical equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU housing is integrated within the rotating member structure, with the ECU positioned inside the rotating member when viewed from above. This nesting arrangement allows electrical equipment to be incorporated without adding external structural complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electric wires are routed during rotation, then the adaptability is improved, but the wires can sag or be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
An electric wire retaining member is introduced as an intermediary component to hold and guide the electric wires during rotation. This retaining member prevents wire sagging and damage while allowing the wires to remain flexible and adaptable to the rotating motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating device for a vehicle interior item is provided with latching means that is provided on a side of a base member having a rotation support part, and engagement means that is provided on a side of a rotating member supporting a vehicle interior item and being rotatably supported by the rotation support part, and can be switched between a state in which the engagement means engages with the latching means so as to suppress detachment of the rotating member from the base member and a state in which the engagement with the latching means is released when the rotating member attains the rotatable state, wherein the latching means and the engagement means are disposed further outside than the rotating member in plan view at least when the rotating member is in the non-rotating state. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress an increase in the height while suppressing detachment when the vehicle interior item is not rotating.