Seat Track Memory Interlock for Easy-Entry Position Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive seat assemblies typically do not return to their previously selected fore/aft seating position after being moved to an easy-entry position, requiring occupants to manually readjust the seat.
Innovation Solution
A seat track assembly with a memory mechanism that records the previously selected position and allows the seat to return to it, incorporating a latch mechanism for sliding adjustment and an interlock assembly to maintain the seat back in the folded position during easy-entry movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat assembly is moved to an easy-entry position, then ingress and egress to the rear seat assembly or storage area is improved, but the seat assembly does not return to the previously selected fore/aft seating position requiring manual readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The memory mechanism stores the previously selected fore/aft seating position in advance. When the seat back is returned to the upright position, the stored position information is automatically retrieved and used to return the seat cushion to the original position, eliminating the need for manual readjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback by detecting when the seat back returns to the upright position and automatically returning the seat cushion to the stored position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the seat assembly returns to its previously selected position without requiring occupant intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the seat back is moved to the folded position to allow easier access, then ease of operation is improved, but the seat back cannot be maintained in the folded position during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly automatically engages to maintain the seat back in the folded position when the seat cushion moves forward to the easy-entry position. The system self-regulates by using the movement of the seat cushion to trigger the interlock mechanism, which then holds the seat back in the desired position without requiring continuous manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when the seat cushion reaches the easy-entry position. This preliminary setup ensures that the seat back is securely held in the folded position during the entire forward movement, maintaining stability throughout the operation.
3Extent of automation
If a memory mechanism is added to return the seat to the previously selected position, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory mechanism is integrated into the existing seat track assembly, combining the position storage and retrieval functions with the existing latch and interlock mechanisms. This merging approach allows automatic position return functionality to be added without creating a completely separate system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores the previously selected position, detects when the seat back returns to upright, and triggers the automatic return of the seat cushion. By making the memory mechanism multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting complexity while achieving automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly secured to a floor in an automotive vehicle has a seat cushion, a seat back, a seat track assembly, a latch mechanism, a memory mechanism, and an interlock assembly. The seat back is operatively coupled to the seat cushion, and is movable between an upright position and a folded position. The seat track assembly includes a fixed track adapted to be fixedly secured to the floor and a movable track fixedly secured to the seat cushion. The movable track is slidably coupled to the fixed track. The latch mechanism is operatively coupled between the fixed and movable tracks. The latch mechanism prevents sliding movement of the movable track, and is (17) selectively unlocked from the fixed track to allow sliding movement of the seat cushion between a plurality of positions. The memory mechanism is operable between a home position and a memory position. In the home position, the memory mechanism is coupled and moves with the movable track. In the memory position, the memory mechanism is coupled with the fixed track and defines a previously selected one of the plurality of positions. The interlock assembly comprises a hook lever, an interlock lever, and a cable. The hook lever is pivotally connected to the seat cushion. The interlock lever is pivotally coupled to the movable track for movement between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The cable is operatively coupled between the hook lever and the interlock lever, and is configured for moving the hook lever into and out of engagement with the seat back. Moving the seat back to the folded position actuates the memory mechanism to the memory position, which unlocks the latch mechanism from the fixed track to allow sliding movement of the seat cushion in a first direction away from the previously selected one of the plurality of positions to the easy-entry position. Actuation of the memory mechanism to the memory position also allows the interlock lever to rotate into the engaged position to cause the cable to move the hook lever into engagement with the seat back to maintain the seat back in the folded position.