Vehicle Seatback Latch with Retaining Lip Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seatback attachment mechanisms in vehicles, particularly in pickup trucks, fail to securely latch the seatback to the rear frame, leading to instability and potential safety issues during movement or cargo transport.
Innovation Solution
A latch system comprising a first and second seatback attachment portion with extended portions, interface portions, and a retainer portion forming retaining lips, along with a one-way stop and release element, which allows the seatback to pivot from an unlatched to a latched position securely surrounding a laterally extended rod, preventing disengagement when force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple attachment mechanism is used to connect the seatback to the rear frame, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the attachment is insufficient leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a retainer portion with retaining lips for engagement, interface portions for force transmission, and extended portions for geometric configuration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability despite the increased complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the seatback is allowed to pivot freely for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the seatback position deteriorates leading to unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer portion with retaining lips is positioned to engage with the laterally extended rod before the seatback can move unintentionally. This preliminary engagement prevents unwanted movement while the pivot mechanism remains ready for controlled operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: an engaged state where the retaining lips secure the seatback position for stability, and a disengaged state where the seatback can pivot freely for easy operation. The mechanism dynamically switches between these states based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is implemented to prevent disengagement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the retainer portion: it provides the retaining lips for secure engagement, serves as a structural element for force distribution, and acts as a positional reference for the seatback. This merging reduces the need for separate components while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer portion with retaining lips serves multiple purposes: securing the seatback laterally, preventing disengagement during movement, and providing a stable reference point for the pivot mechanism. This multi-functionality achieves reliable latching without proportionally increasing component count.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch to latch a seatback to a frame of a vehicle comprises: a first seatback attachment portion; a first extended portion connected to the first seatback attachment portion that extends generally rearward from the first seatback attachment portion; a first interface portion connected to the first extended portion at a first bend that extends at an angle downward and forward from the first bend; and a retainer portion connected to the first interface portion at a bend forming a first retaining lip. The latch can further comprise a second seatback attachment portion and a second extended portion connected to the second seatback attachment portion that extends generally rearward from the second seatback attachment portion. The latch can further comprise a second interface portion connected to the second extended portion at a second bend that extends at an angle upward and forward from the second bend.