Vehicle Seat Walk-In Locking Mechanism to Prevent Frame Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat walk-in mechanisms require multiple manual operations and can damage the seat frame when the seatback is folded after a walk-in operation, as the folding and walk-in operations are often performed simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat adjustment device featuring a seat-cushion-tilting frame, tilting device, locking device, and probe with a stopper that prevents simultaneous walk-in and folding operations by inserting the stopper into a locking groove in the seatback frame, restricting folding when the walk-in operation is performed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a walk-in mechanism is provided to tilt the entire seat forwards at once, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the seat frame may be damaged when folding and walk-in operations are performed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The probe with stopper performs preliminary detection of the seatback frame position before the walk-in operation. When the seatback is folded, the stopper engages with the locking groove to prevent the tilting device from actuating, thereby preventing frame damage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The probe acts as an intermediary component between the tilting device and the seatback frame. It detects the folded state and transmits this information to the locking device, which then prevents the walk-in operation from proceeding when the seatback is folded
2Reliability
If manual operations are required to recline the seatback and slide the seat forwards, then the reliability is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting device merges the seatback reclining operation and the seat cushion tilting operation into a single automated action. By actuating one component, both the seatback and seat cushion tilt simultaneously to create the walk-in space, eliminating the need for multiple manual operations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a vehicle seat adjustment device including a seat-cushion-tilting frame disposed on a moving rail, the moving rail being coupled to a fixed rail so as to be movable forwards and backwards, and connected to a seatback frame, a tilting device hingedly coupled to a base bracket on the moving rail and to a rear end of the seat-cushion-tilting frame to perform forward tilting of the seat-cushion-tilting frame, a locking device connected to the tilting device to lock and unlock the tilting device, and a probe rotatably disposed between the seatback frame and the tilting device, the probe including a stopper capable of being inserted into a locking groove formed in the seatback frame. Rotation of the probe is restricted when the stopper is inserted into the locking groove.