Seat rotation locking mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat rotation locking mechanisms generate noise and wear due to fit clearances between metal components, requiring continuous lever operation and limiting user convenience and product lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A seat rotation locking mechanism using truncated-cone-shaped lock pins with zero-clearance wedging and a silencing bushing, combined with a release lever system and buffer components to eliminate friction-induced noise and wear, allowing for independent lock pin operation and controlled rotation angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a claw-shaped or tooth-shaped member is inserted into a lockhole for locking, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but fit clearance generates noise and shake during driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the locking interface by using a truncated cone shape instead of traditional claw or tooth shapes. The truncated cone lock pin has a small end diameter of 3-5mm and a large end diameter of 6-8mm, creating a tapered geometry that eliminates fit clearance through wedging action, thereby eliminating noise and shake during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful fit clearance into a beneficial feature by using the truncated cone geometry. The clearance is intentionally designed to accommodate the wedging action of the tapered lock pin, which then presses the locking surfaces together to eliminate play and generate stable locking without noise
2Reliability
If a cylindrical pin is inserted into a hole for locking, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but fit clearance between shaft and hole generates friction-induced noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters from a cylindrical shape to a truncated cone shape. The lock pin has a small end diameter of 3-5mm and a large end diameter of 6-8mm, creating a tapered geometry that transforms the friction-based cylindrical contact into a wedging action, eliminating friction-induced noise while maintaining locking reliability
3Reliability
If a lever is pulled all the time during rotating adjustment, then locking control can be maintained, but user convenience is reduced and scraping noise occurs when lever is released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-locking mechanism where the truncated cone lock pin automatically maintains locking without requiring continuous lever operation. The wedging geometry creates self-sustaining locking force, and when the lever is released, the buffer component prevents scraping noise by absorbing the release motion, allowing users to operate the seat without constantly holding the lever
4Strength
If metal members are used for locking, then structural strength is maintained, but wear occurs reducing product lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system combining metal lock pins with plastic buffer components and silencing bushings. The metal truncated cone lock pin provides structural strength for locking, while the plastic buffer component and silencing bushing reduce wear through friction absorption and noise damping, extending product lifespan while maintaining strength
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 eliminates noise and wear, enhances user experience by allowing lever release without scraping, and extends product lifespan by reducing wear and improving the locking mechanism's grade.
Implementation Method 1
the first end of the lock pin is inserted into the lockhole, to implement zero-clearance locking by using wedging between the truncated-cone-shaped structure of the first end of the lock pin and the lockhole
Implementation Method 2
when the lock pin return spring is in a locked state, the first end of the lock pin is inserted, under the action of the lock pin return spring, into the lockhole on the outer circumference of the fixed disc to lock the rotating disc
Implementation Method 3
a release lever return spring connected to the release lever and the lock support or the rotating disc, where the release lever return spring drives the release lever to return to the locked state; and during releasing, the release lever return spring accumulates energy
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a seat rotation locking mechanism, including a locking mechanism mounted on a rotating disc in a seat rotation mechanism and at least one lockhole disposed on an outer circumference of a fixed disc in the seat rotation mechanism, where the locking mechanism includes: a lock support fixed on the rotating disc; and at least two lock pins horizontally and moveably configured in the lock support, where a first end of the lock pin is of a truncated-cone-shaped structure; and the first end of the lock pin is inserted into the lockhole, to implement zero-clearance locking by using wedging between the truncated-cone-shaped structure of the first end of the lock pin and the lockhole. The present invention eliminates a fit clearance existing after a rotation mechanism is locked, improves a grade of a product, and improves user experience. In an adjustment process, even if an operator releases an adjustment lever, a locking piece and a fixed disc do not generate scraping noise, and service life of the product is prolonged since wearing is eliminated.