Seatback Switching Mechanism With Integrated Lock-Release Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat state switching mechanisms for vehicles require a complex structure with multiple components to switch between a walk-in state and a reclining state, making them cumbersome and difficult to simplify.
Innovation Solution
A seat state switching mechanism that includes a movable bracket, a locking member, and a releaser composed of torsion and tension coil springs, allowing the seatback to be switched between walk-in and reclining states with fewer components by utilizing tilting operations to lock and unlock the seatback at predetermined angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (manipulation lever, operation force transmission member, stopper, rotational member) are used to switch between walk-in and reclining states, then the seat state switching function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manipulation lever and the stopper into a single integrated component. The lever serves dual functions: it manually releases the stopper from the locking protrusion to enable seatback tilting, and simultaneously acts as the stopper itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate manipulation levers and stoppers, reducing component count and structural complexity while maintaining the walk-in and reclining state switching function
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both the manual release mechanism and the stopper component. The lever's body includes the stopping surface that engages with the locking protrusion, and its rotation about the pin enables it to move between blocking and non-blocking positions. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions previously requiring separate parts
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for seat state switching, then the locking and releasing functions are achieved, but the number of components cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manipulation lever and stopper into one component, directly reducing the number of parts. The integrated lever-stopper assembly maintains reliable locking through the engagement of its stopping surface with the locking protrusion, and reliable releasing through manual rotation that moves the stopping surface away from the protrusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the conventional design. By analyzing the functional requirements, it removes the separate manipulation lever and independent stopper, keeping only the essential elements needed for locking and releasing operations
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
This configuration reduces the number of components and simplifies the structure, enabling smooth transitions between walk-in and reclining states while maintaining stable tilting, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member (torsion coil spring) for biasing the locking member in a direction from a locking position to the lock releasing position
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing member (tension coil spring) for biasing the input member from a releasing position for releasing the holding of the locking member to a holding position for holding the locking member
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a seat state switching mechanism which can achieve switching between a walk-in state and a reclining state even with a small number of components, and a seat including the seat state switching mechanism. A seat state switching mechanism (5) is a mechanism which can switch a state of a seatback (3) between a walk-in state and a reclining state, the seat state switching mechanism including: a movable bracket (14) tiltable together with the seatback (3); a locking member (12) for locking the movable bracket (14) at a predetermined walk-in locking position: and an input member (13), a first biasing member (18), and a second biasing member (17), each composing a releaser, for switching the state of the seatback to the reclining state by releasing a biased state of the locking member (12) in receipt of a reclining operation force.