Vehicle Seat Switching Mechanism with Dynamic Input Arm
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat switching mechanisms face challenges in efficiently transitioning between locked and unlocked slide lock conditions, particularly when integrating walk-in and fold-down functions, leading to complexity and reduced space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A switching mechanism comprising a base element, output arm, input arm, and biasing member, where the input arm is designed to rotate in reduced and increased radii depending on directional force, allowing for compact design without performance reduction, and is linked to a rotary cam for seamless integration with the seat back's rotational motion to control the slide lock device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the input arm is designed to rotate in a reduced radius of rotation in the normal rotational direction, then the switching mechanism can be downsized, but the mechanism complexity increases due to the dual-radius rotation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The input arm is designed with dynamic rotational characteristics, allowing it to rotate about different pivot points depending on the direction of force applied. When force is applied in the normal rotational direction, it rotates about the first pivot shaft with a reduced radius. When force is applied in the reverse rotational direction, it rotates about the second pivot shaft with a larger radius. This dynamic behavior enables the mechanism to adapt its rotation radius based on operational requirements, achieving downsizing without sacrificing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The input arm acts as an intermediary element between the force input point and the output arm. It transfers and transforms the applied force into rotational motion about different pivot shafts depending on the direction of force. This intermediary function allows the mechanism to achieve complex dual-radius rotation behavior through a single, well-designed component rather than requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If the input arm rotates about the first pivot shaft with reduced radius, then the mechanism achieves compact design, but the rotational freedom is reduced compared to rotating about the second pivot shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The input arm's rotational behavior is made dynamic rather than fixed. It can rotate about the first pivot shaft with reduced radius when force is applied in the normal direction, or about the second pivot shaft with larger radius when force is applied in the reverse direction. This dynamic adaptability ensures that the mechanism maintains rotational freedom and versatility while achieving compact design in the normal operational direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism employs asymmetric rotational characteristics where the rotation radius differs based on the direction of applied force. The normal rotational direction uses a reduced radius about the first pivot shaft for compactness, while the reverse rotational direction uses a larger radius about the second pivot shaft for greater freedom. This asymmetric design allows the mechanism to optimize for different operational requirements in different directions.
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
Enables seamless transitions between locked and unlocked slide lock conditions, optimizing space utilization and simplifying the switching mechanism while maintaining performance, thereby enhancing the vehicle seat's functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an input arm biasing member. The input arm biasing member is arranged and constructed to normally bias the input arm in a normal rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
the second pivot shaft can pivot about the first pivot shaft, thereby rotating the output arm about the first pivot shaft with the input arm
Data Source
AI summary
A switching mechanism of a vehicle seat includes a base element, an output arm pivotally connected to the base element via a first pivot shaft, an input arm having a force input point and pivotally connected to the output arm via a second pivot shaft as a rotational center, and an input arm biasing member. When a force is applied to the input arm, the input arm can be rotated around the first pivot shaft in the normal rotational direction while contacting the first pivot shaft, so that the second pivot shaft can pivot about the first pivot shaft, thereby rotating the output arm about the first pivot shaft with the input arm to rotate the seat back from a seating position into one of a walk in position and a folded position. The input arm may also be configured to rotate the seat back to the seating position.