Seating Assembly Cam and Lock Mechanism for Rear Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seating assemblies often require complex mechanisms to move forward and pitch to facilitate access to rear seating, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when rear access is limited.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly with a movable seatback and track assembly that includes cams, levers, and an intermediate lock system, allowing the seat to pivot and slide forward along a track, enabling easy access by engaging and disengaging various mechanical components to change positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex mechanism is used to move the seating assembly forward and pitch, then the seating assembly can facilitate access to rear seating, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a first cam for releasing the track assembly, a second cam for raising the bypass cam, and an intermediate lock system with notches. Each component performs a specific function in the sequence, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining the ability to move the seating assembly forward and pitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The cams are positioned on the pitch assembly before movement begins. When the seating assembly is pitched, the cams automatically engage with their respective components (track release lever and bypass cam) in the correct sequence, performing the necessary actions in advance of when they are needed during the movement process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple cams and locks are used to control seat movement, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate lock system automatically engages with the pin at the appropriate notches based on the position of the pitch assembly. The clock spring automatically returns the lock to its initial position after engagement. This self-service mechanism ensures precise positioning without requiring additional control components or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate lock combines multiple functions into a single component: it engages with the pin at different notches to control both the forward movement and pitching actions, while the clock spring provides both biasing force and automatic reset functionality. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.
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 solution simplifies the process of moving the seating assembly forward and pitching it to allow rear access, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency by utilizing a coordinated system of cams, levers, and locks to manage the movement and positioning of the seat within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate lock is biased in the second position by a clock spring
Implementation Method 2
A first cam is positioned on the first portion, and a second cam is positioned on the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly is provided that includes a seatback movable into a pitched position along a track. A first cam is engageable with a release lever of the track. A second cam is engageable with a bypass cam that is raised over a stop as the seatback moves to the pitched position. An intermediate lock is engageable with a pin positioned on a middle support arm of the seat base when the seatback is in the pitched position.