Vehicle Seat Sliding Device Latch Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding devices for vehicle seats suffer from poor reliability due to inadequate engagement of latches with slideways and releasing members, leading to accidental, undesired displacements of the seat.
Innovation Solution
The sliding device features latches with a 'U'-shaped rear portion and an upper leg configured to engage the releasing member, providing a secure locking mechanism where the latches are positioned between the upper and lower rails, and the releasing member's arms are tapered to ensure stable engagement, preventing accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latches are designed with a fulcrum at the opposite end of the latches with respect to the portion engaging the lower rails, then the releasing member can easily switch the latches to unlocking position, but the reliability of the sliding device deteriorates due to accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional latch design by positioning the fulcrum at the end closer to the lower rail engagement portion rather than at the opposite end. This inversion changes the mechanical advantage distribution, requiring more deliberate force to activate while preventing accidental disengagement. The releasing member still functions to switch latches between locked and unlocked positions, but the inverted fulcrum position ensures that only intentional user action can overcome the locking force.
2Device complexity
If the latches are designed with simple engagement structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to poor engagement with slideways and releasing member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the engagement characteristics at different portions of the latch structure. The lower rail engagement portion features a specific geometry with engagement surfaces that provide strong mechanical interlocking, while the releasing member engagement portion has differentiated surfaces that ensure reliable connection. This localized optimization of engagement quality at critical interfaces enhances overall reliability without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire latch structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding device for a vehicle seat is provided. The sliding device includes a pair of parallel slideways, each of which comprises a lower rail, an upper rail slidably mounted to the lower rail and a latch for allowing/preventing a movement of the upper rail relative to the lower rail. A releasing member is provided for driving the latches to a position in which the upper rails are free to move relative to the lower rails. Each latch has a rear portion which is bent into a “U”-like shape and comprises a lower leg carrying latching elements configured to cooperate with corresponding latching elements provided in the lower rail and an upper leg configured to engage the releasing member. The design of the latches improves the reliability of the sliding device.