Articulating Seatback Locking Mechanism for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seatback coupling systems are time-consuming to install and generate vibration noise during vehicle operation due to their nut and bolt configuration.
Innovation Solution
An articulating locking mechanism with a support bracket featuring a receiving slot, a flexibly resilient bumper, and a retaining bar with a hook portion that securely engages the pivot member, allowing for quick set-in-place installation and reducing noise through anti-vibration features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nut and bolt configuration is used for pivot member coupling, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation time is considerable and vibration noise occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: a support bracket with receiving slot, a pivot member, a retaining bar with hook portion, and a flexibly resilient bumper. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick installation while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving slot is pre-configured in the support bracket to guide and receive the pivot member in a predetermined position. The retaining bar is pre-formed with a hook portion that automatically engages with the pivot member during insertion, eliminating the need for time-consuming fastening operations
2Reliability
If a nut and bolt configuration is used for pivot member coupling, then the connection is secure, but vibration noise is generated during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
A flexibly resilient bumper is incorporated into the coupling system to cushion and absorb vibrations before they can generate noise. The bumper is positioned to contact the pivot member, providing continuous vibration dampening during vehicle operation while maintaining the secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration energy that would normally generate harmful noise is converted into beneficial cushioning force by the flexibly resilient bumper. The bumper absorbs and dissipates vibration energy through elastic deformation, transforming the harmful vibrational motion into harmless thermal energy while maintaining connection stability
3Productivity
If a quick set-in-place coupling is used, then installation time is reduced, but the connection may lack the security of traditional fastening methods
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention mechanisms are merged into a single integrated system: the hook portion of the retaining bar combines with the receiving slot and pivot member geometry to create a multi-point engagement system. This merging provides both quick installation and secure connection by distributing loads across multiple contact points simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The hook portion of the retaining bar and the receiving slot are designed with curved geometries that complement each other, creating a snap-fit engagement. The curved surfaces allow the components to flex slightly during installation and then lock together securely, providing both ease of installation and reliable connection through geometric interlocking
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
The mechanism enables rapid installation and significantly reduces vibration noise during vehicle operation by utilizing a flexibly resilient bumper and retaining bar to maintain the pivot member in place within the receiving slot.
Implementation Method 1
a flexibly resilient bumper disposed near the receiving slot
Implementation Method 2
anti-vibration features to reduce noise during vehicle use
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating locking mechanism includes a support bracket having a receiving slot and a retaining flange. A pivot member is received in the receiving slot. A retainer member includes a hook portion that is coupled to the pivot member at a first end of the retainer member along an outer surface of the support bracket. The retainer member is operable between at-rest and flexed positions. A second end of the retainer member retains the retainer member in the flexed position by engaging a retaining flange extending outwardly from an inner surface of the support bracket.