Vehicle Seat Unlocking Bracket for Independent Rail Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat unlocking mechanisms do not allow independent unlocking of the rail system from the backrest position, limiting ease of entry and requiring additional components, which complicates the design and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A bracket-like element with a guide bar is integrated into the rail system, allowing independent unlocking of the rail system by forming a positive or non-positive engagement with the guide rail, facilitated by a control module and actuating cable, enabling the release bar to remain unlocked regardless of backrest inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rail system is locked together with the backrest position, then the structure is simpler, but the ease of entry is reduced and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unlocking function for the rail system into the existing backrest adjustment mechanism. The bracket-like element serves dual purposes: it guides the backrest movement and simultaneously controls the locking/unlocking of the rail system. This merging eliminates the need for separate unlocking components while enabling independent rail system unlocking for ease of entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket-like element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple tasks: guiding backrest inclination, controlling the release bar, and enabling independent rail system unlocking. This universal component approach reduces overall device complexity while providing the needed ease of entry functionality.
2Ease of operation
If additional components are added to enable independent unlocking, then the ease of entry is improved, but the number of components increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the independent unlocking functionality into the existing backrest adjustment components. The bracket-like element integrates the release bar mechanism and guide functions, eliminating the need for additional separate components while enabling ease of entry through independent rail system unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket-like element serves as a universal component that performs multiple functions: guiding backrest movement, controlling the release bar, and enabling independent rail system unlocking. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while providing the desired ease of entry.
3Device complexity
If the unlocking mechanism is integrated on the rail system, then the design is simplified and components are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the unlocking mechanism directly into the rail system using the bracket-like element that combines guiding and locking functions. This integration simplifies the overall design while the use of standard fastening means and conventional materials helps manage manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket-like element is designed to self-align and self-lock through its geometric features (rounded first end, U-shaped cross section with widening sections). This self-service mechanism reduces the need for high-precision manufacturing while ensuring reliable engagement and unlocking functionality.
4Reliability
If the bracket-like element forms positive engagement with the guide rail, then the unlocking reliability is improved, but the wear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different engagement types at different locations of the bracket-like element. The first extension section with the roller element provides non-positive (friction-based) engagement with the guide rail to minimize wear, while the second extension section provides positive engagement for reliable unlocking control. This local differentiation balances reliability and wear resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded first end of the guide rail and the roller element on the bracket-like element create curved surface contact instead of sharp edge engagement. This curvature distributes contact forces, reduces stress concentrations, and minimizes wear while maintaining reliable engagement for unlocking functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an unlocking device (1) for a vehicle seat with an entry facilitation function. According to the invention, the unlocking device (1) comprises a bracket-like element (7) and a guide bar (8), wherein said guide bar (8) is arranged by means of at least one fastening means (9) on a lower rail (3) of a rail system (2) for longitudinal adjustment of the seat and said bracket-like element (7) is coupled to a triggering lever (13) for the entry facilitation function. The invention further relates to a method for operating an unlocking device (1).