Seatback Motion Controller Friction Cam Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seatback-motion controllers in vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for smoothly transitioning the seat back from an upright to a forward-leaning easy-entry position, and full forward dump position, while ensuring ergonomic stability and quiet operation.
Innovation Solution
A seatback-motion controller with a seat-back lock featuring a pivotable swing arm and motion-blocking latch pin, and a separate friction cam for ergonomic management, allowing the seat back to pivot between positions, utilizing a latch actuator and cam-return spring for controlled movement and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional seatback lock mechanism is used, then the seat back can be locked in the upright position, but the transition to forward-leaning position is abrupt and lacks ergonomic control
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into two independent functional components: a motion-blocking latch pin for primary locking and a friction cam for ergonomic control. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect of the function, improving overall ergonomics without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The friction cam acts as an intermediary element between the user's manual input and the seatback motion. It provides a friction-based controlled transition, smoothing the movement from upright to forward-leaning position rather than allowing abrupt movement
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the latch pin is directly connected to the sector plate, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the operation produces noise and lacks stability
Solution Approach 1:
The friction cam serves as a mediator between the latch pin and sector plate, absorbing impact and reducing noise during the unlocking and transition process while maintaining mechanical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The friction cam provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining frictional contact with the sector plate, which dampens vibrations and noise before they can propagate through the mechanism during operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat back allows full forward dump position, then accessibility is improved, but control over the movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The friction cam provides dynamic control during the seatback transition, allowing the user to control the speed and extent of movement from upright through easy-entry to full dump positions based on their needs
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 smooth and ergonomic transition of the seat back between positions, enhancing user experience with improved stability and reduced noise, while maintaining the seat's upright locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a friction cam designed to cooperate with neighboring components to manage ergonomic characteristics associated with operation of seatback-motion controller. The friction cam is arranged to interface directly with the sector plate included in the seat base
Implementation Method 2
a cam-return spring configured to provide means for yieldably applying a torque to the friction cam to maintain the base-contact surface of the friction cam in frictional contact with the cam-contact surface of the seat base
Implementation Method 3
a latch comprising a pivotable swing arm and a motion-blocking latch pin mounted on the swing arm to pivot therewith
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A seatback-motion controller (10) in accordance with the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle seat (15) in a vehicle. The vehicle seat (15) includes a seat base (16) and a seat back (14) mounted for pivotable movement relative to the seat base (16) between an upright use position and a forward-leaning easy-entry position.