Seatback Forward Inclination Limiting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seat apparatuses apply excessive load to operators when the seatback inclines forward, especially when used as a table, due to the seatback coming into a horizontal state and overlapping with the seat cushion.

Innovation Solution

A seat apparatus with a seatback that can be inclined forward and rearward relative to the seat cushion, featuring a seatback drive device, an operating switch accessible to the operator, and an excessive load restricting device that limits the forward inclination of the seatback to prevent excessive load application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the seatback is allowed to incline forward freely to function as a table, then the versatility and usability of the seat apparatus is improved, but the operator seated on the seat cushion may be applied with excessive load from the seatback pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable functionVSAvoidexcessive load on operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the inclination angle parameter of the seatback. When the seatback is inclined forward to serve as a table, the excessive load restricting device activates to limit the inclination angle within a predetermined range, thereby changing the angular parameter to prevent excessive pressure on the operator while maintaining the table function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the excessive load restricting device that continuously monitors the seatback inclination state and provides corrective action. When the seatback inclination exceeds the predetermined angle range, the restricting device automatically adjusts the inclination to bring it back within the safe range, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents excessive load application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the seatback inclines forward to overlap with the seat cushion for table use, then the functionality is enhanced, but the pressure from the seatback on the seated operator increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidseatback pressure on operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the angular parameter of the seatback inclination to resolve the contradiction. By limiting the inclination angle to a predetermined range when the seatback is positioned for table use, the system maintains multi-functionality while controlling the pressure parameter to prevent excessive stress on the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The excessive load restricting device performs preliminary anti-action by preemptively limiting the seatback inclination before excessive pressure can be applied to the operator. The device establishes a predetermined angular threshold that prevents the seatback from reaching positions that would cause harmful pressure, thereby counteracting the potential harm before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If the seatback operating switch is made accessible to the operator for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental excessive inclination that could harm the operator increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch accessibilityVSAvoidsafety against excessive inclination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing the excessive load restricting device that continuously monitors seatback inclination and provides automatic corrective feedback. This allows the operating switch to remain easily accessible to the operator while the feedback mechanism ensures that any accidental excessive inclination is automatically corrected, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and safety reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The excessive load restricting device acts as an intermediary between the operator's control input and the seatback's physical movement. Even though the operating switch is easily accessible, the restricting device serves as a safety intermediary that intercepts and limits extreme movements, allowing easy operation while preventing harmful outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7594699B2Seat apparatus

Publication Date: 2009.09.29 AISIN SEIKI KK

AI summary

A seat apparatus includes a seat cushion on which an operator is seated, a seatback supporting the operator seated on the seat cushion, the seatback being configured to incline forward to reduce an angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion and to incline rearward to increase the angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion, a seatback drive device inclining the seatback forward and rearward relative to the seat cushion, a seatback operating switch provided at a position where is reached by the operator seated on the seat cushion, the seatback operating switch operating the seatback driving device in response to an operation of the switch, and an excessive load restricting device restricting an excessive load applied to the operator seated on the seat cushion by limiting a forward inclination of the seatback when the seatback operating switch is operated so as to incline the seatback forward.