Seatback Drive Spring Down Power Up Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive seatback designs lack an efficient mechanism for intermediate positioning between the upright and folded positions, particularly in rear seat applications where space is limited, and often require a separate release actuator for folding and raising the seatback.
Innovation Solution
A seatback drive assembly with spring down, power up functionality, featuring a lock cam, biasing spring, and a motorized pinion that pivots the seatback frame between upright and folded positions without a separate release actuator, utilizing a gear system for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate release actuator is deployed to allow the seatback to be positioned in the folded position, then the seatback can be folded, but the device complexity increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cam is integrated into the seatback frame structure, combining the locking mechanism with the existing frame rather than using a separate release actuator. The lock cam pivots on the seatback frame and engages with the lower bracket to provide both locking and folding functions through a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock cam serves multiple functions: it locks the seatback in the upright position when engaged with the lower bracket, and it allows the seatback to be folded when disengaged. The biasing spring also provides dual functionality by both returning the seatback to upright position and assisting the folding motion.
2Ease of operation
If a separate release actuator is deployed to allow the seatback to be positioned in the folded position, then the seatback can be folded, but the space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged into the seatback frame structure itself, eliminating the need for separate release actuators that would consume valuable space in rear seat applications. The lock cam pivots directly on the seatback frame, utilizing existing structural space.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock cam and biasing spring are nested within the existing seatback frame structure, with the lock cam pivoting on the frame and the biasing spring positioned to act on the seatback frame without requiring additional external space.
3Volume of moving object
If the seatback is designed with spring down, power up functionality, then the space utilization is optimized, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing spring provides self-service by automatically returning the seatback to the upright position after folding, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The spring absorbs and stores energy during folding and releases it to restore the upright position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system replaces electrical or hydraulic actuators with a simple spring-based mechanism for the return motion. The motorized pinion provides powered motion in one direction while the spring handles the return, reducing overall system complexity compared to fully powered bidirectional actuators.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the lock cam engages the lower bracket to hold the seatback in upright position, then the seatback stability is improved, but the folding operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cam transitions between static locked and dynamic unlocked states through pivoting motion. When folded forward, the lock cam pivots to disengage from the lower bracket, allowing folding. When upright, it naturally engages to provide stable locking without requiring additional actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock cam automatically engages with the lower bracket when the seatback is in the upright position, providing self-locking functionality. The biasing spring also self-actuates to return the seatback to upright position, eliminating the need for separate locking actuators.
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 transition between upright and folded positions without a separate release actuator, optimizing space utilization in rear seat applications and enhancing functionality with a power-up configuration for easy cargo access.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing spring moves the seatback frame to a folded position when the lock cam is disengaged from the lower bracket
Implementation Method 2
a motorized pinion having peripheral teeth that engages the set of gear teeth. Characteristically, the motorized pinion positions the seatback frame in the folded position by rotation about a first direction
Implementation Method 3
A sector gear having a first gear side and a second gear side. The sector gear is pivotally mounted to the lower bracket at the second bracket side. The sector gear includes a set of gear teeth along a portion of an outer edge
Data Source
AI summary
A seatback drive assembly includes a lower bracket, a seatback pivotally mounted to the lower bracket, and a lock cam pivotally mounted to the seatback. The lock cam holds the seatback in an upright position when the lock cam engages the lower bracket. A biasing spring moves the seatback to a folded position when the lock cam is disengaged from the lower bracket. The seatback drive assembly also includes a gear pivotally mounted to the lower bracket and having a set of gear teeth. A motorized pinion engages the gear and is driven by an electric motor.