Vehicle Seatback Upper Support Articulation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seatbacks in existing seating assemblies are rigid and lack adjustable features to accommodate varying occupant positions and comfort needs during vehicle acceleration, changes in direction, and collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a pivotally mounted upper seatback and a manual articulation assembly that includes a cam channel and engagement teeth, allowing the upper seatback to be temporarily locked at multiple angled positions relative to the lower seatback, providing adjustable support for occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seatback is made substantially rigid and sizeable to support occupant during acceleration, direction changes, and collisions, then safety and structural support are improved, but adjustability and comfort for varying occupant positions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into two separate segments: a lower seatback and an upper seatback. The upper seatback can be independently adjusted relative to the lower seatback through a manual articulation assembly, allowing occupants to customize the upper back support angle while the lower seatback maintains structural rigidity for safety support during vehicle maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper seatback is designed to be dynamically adjustable relative to the lower seatback through the manual articulation assembly with cam and engagement recesses mechanism. This allows the seatback configuration to change based on occupant needs while maintaining structural integrity when locked in position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the upper seatback is made adjustable with multiple locking positions, then comfort and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual articulation assembly employs a self-locking cam mechanism where the cam automatically engages with engagement recesses at predetermined positions along the cam channel. This self-service locking mechanism provides multiple adjustable positions without requiring complex motors, sensors, or electronic controls, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the upper seatback is pivotally mounted to allow angle adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper seatback features a dynamic design with a pivotal connection that enables easy angle adjustment through the manual articulation assembly. The cam mechanism allows smooth movement between positions while maintaining structural stability when locked, providing both ease of operation and stability as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a lower seatback. An upper seatback is operably coupled to the lower seatback. The upper seatback is pivotally mounted to the lower seatback at a pivot axis. A manual articulation assembly operably couples the lower seatback with the upper seatback. The manual articulation assembly includes a housing member having a cam channel and an inner wall with a plurality of engagement recesses. A positional cam includes a cam pin engaged with the cam channel and an outer wall with a plurality of engagement teeth in removable engagement with the plurality of engagement recesses.