Single Lever Fold and Tumble Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current release mechanisms for vehicle seat assemblies require multiple handles and levers to position seats in folded and tumbled positions, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single lever actuates a recliner cam mechanism to pivot the seat back between upright and fold flat positions, and further releases the seat cushion from the floor for tumbled positioning, using a recliner handle lever and cam system synchronized with a disc recliner and latch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple release handles and actuating levers are used to actuate the recliner and latch mechanisms, then the seat assembly can be positioned in folded and tumbled positions, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the cumbersome control mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple release handles and actuating levers into a single integrated release mechanism. The single lever (44) is coupled to both the recliner mechanism (via cam lever 40) and the latch mechanism (via floor latch release lever 82), allowing one component to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate controls. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single release lever (44) is designed to perform multiple functions: it can actuate the recliner mechanism to fold the seat back, release the floor latch mechanism to tumble the seat assembly, and potentially perform other release functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized handles and levers, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and capability.
2Ease of operation
If a single lever is used to actuate both the recliner and latch mechanisms, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability may worsen due to the increased functional demands on one component
Solution Approach 1:
While using a single lever for input, the patent segments the actuation functions through separate cam mechanisms. The recliner cam lever (40) with its cam surface (42) handles the recliner actuation, while the floor latch release lever (82) handles the latch release. This segmentation of the output mechanisms ensures that a failure in one function does not necessarily compromise the other, maintaining reliability while achieving operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components between the single lever and the final mechanisms. The cam lever (40) acts as an intermediary between the handle lever (44) and the recliner mechanism, while the floor latch release lever (82) serves as an intermediary for the latch mechanism. These intermediaries isolate the single lever from direct mechanical coupling with multiple mechanisms, reducing stress concentration and potential failure points, thereby maintaining reliability.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient positioning of the seat assembly between seating, fold flat, and tumbled positions using a single lever, enhancing user convenience and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A recliner cam lever is operatively coupled to the recliner mechanism for actuating the recliner mechanism between the locked and unlocked conditions. The recliner handle lever engages the recliner cam lever in a first actuated position to actuate the recliner mechanism
Implementation Method 2
A recliner handle lever is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion and engages the recliner cam lever in a first actuated position to actuate the recliner mechanism between the locked and unlocked conditions
Implementation Method 3
A latch mechanism is coupled between the seat assembly and the vehicle floor for releasably latching the seat assembly to the vehicle floor. A latch lever is operatively coupled to the latch mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A release mechanism selectively actuates a recliner between a locked condition and an unlocked condition allowing pivotal movement of a seat back between a seating and fold flat position. The release mechanism includes a recliner cam lever operatively coupled to the recliner for actuating the recliner between the locked and unlocked conditions. A recliner handle lever engages the recliner cam lever in a first actuated position to actuate the recliner between the locked and unlocked conditions allowing pivotal movement of the seat back between a seating position and a fold flat position and further engages the recliner cam lever in a second actuated position to release a seat cushion from the floor and allow pivotal movement of the seat cushion between a seating position and tumbled position when the seat back is maintained in the fold flat position.