Vehicle Seat Rotation Locking Mechanism for External Force Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle seat rotation locking mechanisms are inadequate in preventing external forces from damaging the rotation mechanism when the seat is moved in and out of the vehicle, and they often require additional actuators for unlocking and locking.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat with a rotation locking mechanism that includes a support base unrotatably positioned on the vehicle floor, a rotatable base coupled to the support base, and a sliding mechanism with a lock releasing portion that automatically switches between locking and unlocking conditions based on the sliding motion, preventing external forces from being transmitted to the rotation mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rotation locking mechanism is used to lock the seat main body at the laterally facing position, then the seat main body can be stably moved between vehicle interior and vehicle exterior, but the rotation mechanism may be damaged by external forces applied to the seat main body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of seat main bodyVSAvoidexternal force damage to rotation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the seat main body and the rotation mechanism. When the seat main body is in the laterally facing position, the rotation locking mechanism engages to prevent rotation, thereby intercepting and absorbing external forces before they can reach and damage the rotation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation locking mechanism is activated in advance when the seat main body reaches the laterally facing position. This preliminary engagement creates a protective barrier that prevents external forces from affecting the rotation mechanism during subsequent sliding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If a rotation locking mechanism with engagement members is used to lock the seat main body, then the seat main body can be locked at forwardly facing position or laterally facing position, but additional actuators are required for unlocking and locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidnumber of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the seat main body. When the seat main body is rotated to the laterally facing position, the rotation locking mechanism automatically locks without requiring an actuator. Similarly, it automatically unlocks when the seat main body is rotated away from this position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation locking mechanism transitions from a static locking system to a dynamic one that automatically responds to the position of the seat main body. The locking and unlocking actions are triggered by the rotational movement itself, eliminating the need for separate actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the seat main body is freely rotatable during sliding motion, then the seat main body can be easily moved, but the seat main body may rotate unintentionally during sliding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sliding motionVSAvoidrotational stability during sliding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the rotational freedom of the seat main body based on its position. During sliding motion at the laterally facing position, the rotation locking mechanism engages to prevent unintentional rotation. When the seat main body is moved to the forwardly facing position, the rotation locking mechanism disengages to allow free rotation for positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation locking mechanism is activated in advance when the seat main body reaches the laterally facing position before sliding begins. This preliminary locking action ensures that the seat main body remains rotationally stable throughout the sliding operation, preventing any unintentional rotation during the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7850242B2Vehicle seats

Publication Date: 2010.12.14 TOYOTA SHATAI KK

AI summary

A vehicle seat may include a seat main body, a rotation mechanism that is arranged and constructed to horizontally rotate the seat main body between a forwardly facing position and a laterally facing position, a sliding mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism. The rotation locking mechanism is arranged and constructed to prevent the seat main body from rotating when the seat main body is in a laterally facing position. The rotation locking mechanism includes a first engagement portion, a second engagement portion, and a lock releasing portion. The second engagement portion is capable of moving between a condition in which it does not engage the first engagement portion and a position in which it engages the first engagement portion when the seat main body is in the laterally facing position. The lock releasing portion is arranged and constructed to be engaged with and disengaged from the second engagement portion depending upon the sliding motion of the sliding mechanism.