Reversible Seat Tilt Limiter for Stable Orientation Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stroller seating systems require manual removal and reinstallation of the seat to change orientations, and independent adjustment of tilt angles is necessary when pivoting, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, especially for disabled children.
Innovation Solution
A reversible seating mechanism with a tilt limiter that restricts tilt angles to a preset level or near level orientation when rotating between forward and rearward facing positions, using a rocker actuator and plunger pin mechanism to ensure comfortable and stable seating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is manually removed and reinstalled to change orientations, then the seating orientation can be changed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the orientation change function and tilt adjustment function into a single integrated pivoting mechanism. The seat assembly pivots on a pivot axis that simultaneously changes both the facing direction and the tilt angle, eliminating the need for separate manual operations for each adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables orientation reversal (forward to rearward facing), adjusts tilt angles, and maintains stable seating position throughout the transition. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require separate mechanisms for each adjustment type.
2Ease of operation
If the tilt angle is independently adjusted when pivoting, then comfort can be maintained, but the adjustment process becomes complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tilt adjustment function into the pivoting operation itself. As the seat pivots on its pivot axis, the tilt angle changes automatically as part of the same motion, eliminating the need for independent tilt adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed so that the tilt angle is automatically reset to an appropriate position during the pivoting motion itself, before the seat reaches its final orientation. This preliminary adjustment ensures comfort is maintained throughout the transition without requiring additional user actions.
3Productivity
If the seat is swiveled without tilt reset, then the orientation changes quickly, but the seating becomes uncomfortable and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism automatically resets the tilt angle during the pivoting motion itself, before the seat reaches its final orientation. This ensures that the seat is already in a comfortable, stable position when the orientation change is complete, eliminating the need for a separate tilt reset step.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt reset function is combined with the pivoting motion, so that both orientation change and tilt adjustment occur simultaneously in a single continuous motion, maintaining both speed and comfort.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A reversible seating mechanism includes a frame and a cross member pivotally supported on the frame for rotational movement in a plane generally parallel to the frame to define a tilt angle. A mounting plate is pivotally supported on the cross member for rotational movement in a plane generally parallel to the cross member to define one of a forward and rearward facing orientation. The mounting plate is moveable on the cross member to be oriented to the tilt angle. A tilt limiter restricts movement of the mounting plate between the forward and rearward facing orientations until the tilt angle is adjusted to a preset angle. The tilt limiter limits a forward facing tilt angle to an angle less than a rearward tilt angle.