Vehicle Seatback Support Element Resisting Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seating assemblies require complex and heavy recline lock mechanisms to distribute and resist the load on seatbacks, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly with a seatback support element that includes a first and third portion coupled to the vehicle at positions other than the seatback, resisting pivotal movement by applying pre-tension through rollers and interacting with a releasable locking mechanism to lock or unlock the seatback, eliminating the need for a complex recline lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complicated recline lock mechanism is used to distribute and resist load on the seatback, then the load resistance and stability are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of load resistance from the complex recline lock mechanism by using a separate seatback support element that independently resists pivotal movement. This support element is coupled to the vehicle at positions other than the seatback, allowing it to bear the load without requiring the seatback itself to be part of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the load resistance function from the seatback assembly by introducing a dedicated support element with first and third portions coupled to the vehicle and a second portion where the seatback interacts with it. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific function: the support element resists pivotal movement while the seatback provides seating functionality.
2Reliability
If a complicated recline lock mechanism is used to distribute and resist load on the seatback, then the load distribution and stability are improved, but the weight of the seating assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load distribution function from the heavy recline lock mechanism by using a lightweight seatback support element that is coupled to the vehicle structure. This support element distributes the load to the vehicle body at multiple attachment points (first and third portions) rather than concentrating it at the seatback pivot axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pre-tension to the seatback support element through rollers that apply force before any pivotal movement occurs. This pre-tensioning prepares the support element to immediately resist and distribute loads in both forward and rearward directions, eliminating the need for heavy locking mechanisms that must engage during movement.
3Reliability
If the seatback is locked onto the support element, then the resistance to pivotal movement is improved, but the ease of operation for reclining decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the seatback can transition between locked and unlocked positions. The releasable locking mechanism allows the seatback to be locked onto the support element at the second portion for stability during normal use, but can be easily released when reclining is desired, allowing pivotal movement about the axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a releasable locking mechanism as an intermediary between the seatback and the support element. This locking mechanism mediates the interaction by providing a secure locked position when engaged and allowing free movement when disengaged, thus reconciling the conflicting requirements of stability and operability.
4Device complexity
If a simple support element is used instead of a complex lock mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to resist load may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by changing the dimensional approach to load resistance. Instead of using a complex mechanism at the pivot axis, the support element extends in multiple dimensions with its first portion coupled to the vehicle at a position forward of the axis, its third portion coupled at a position rearward of the axis, and its second portion interacting with the seatback. This multi-dimensional configuration provides strong load resistance through geometric distribution of forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single seatback support element: it provides structural support, resists pivotal movement, distributes load to the vehicle body, and works with the locking mechanism to control seatback position. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate complex locking components while maintaining or improving load resistance capability.
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 solution effectively resists both rearward and forward pivotal movements of the seatback, reducing the need for complex recline lock mechanisms and enhancing load distribution, thereby simplifying the design and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first portion and the third portion is coupled to the vehicle via a roller that applies pre-tension to the seatback support element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises a seating assembly including a seatback pivotally movable relative to a seat about an axis, the seatback including a bottom portion and a top portion disposed further away from the axis than the bottom portion; and a seatback support element having a first portion coupled to the vehicle at a position other than the seatback and a second portion where the seatback interacts with the seatback support element, the seatback support element resisting pivotal movement of the seatback about the axis. The seatback support element can further includ3 a third portion coupled to the vehicle at a position other than the seatback. The second portion is between the first portion and the third portion along a length of the seatback support element. The first portion is coupled to the vehicle forward of the axis of the seatback and the third portion is coupled rearward of the axis.