Slouch Seat Latching Device with Rotational Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slouch seats in motor vehicles have complex designs with numerous components, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to the time-consuming assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A simplified latching device and slouch seat design featuring a cushion, base structure, carriage, link element, and latching mechanism that allows the cushion to move between multiple latching points, with a rotational lockout mechanism preventing upward movement unless the cushion is in a predetermined position, reducing complexity and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional slouch seats use various tracks and interlocking elements, then the latching function is achieved, but the design becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latching functions into a single integrated latching element that can latch the carriage to the base structure at multiple positions. This eliminates the need for separate tracks and multiple interlocking elements, thereby reducing design complexity while maintaining reliable latching functionality across multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can latch the carriage at various positions along the base structure, prevent upward movement when engaged, and allow controlled movement when disengaged. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional slouch seats use numerous components, then the latching function is achieved, but assembly time increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple latching functions into a single latching element, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be assembled. This single element can engage with the base structure at multiple positions, eliminating the need to assemble separate tracks and multiple interlocking elements, thereby significantly reducing assembly time and improving manufacturing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is segmented with multiple latching points along its length, allowing the single latching element to engage at different positions. This segmentation approach maintains functional versatility while using fewer components, as the segmented features are integrated into the base structure rather than requiring separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cushion is allowed to move freely, then adjustability is improved, but unintended upward movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to dynamically engage and disengage from latching points on the base structure. When engaged, it provides reliable locking to prevent unintended upward movement. When disengaged, it allows the carriage and cushion to move freely to desired positions. This dynamic mechanism maintains both movement control and position adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element can be manually engaged or disengaged by the user to control cushion movement. When the user releases the latching element, it automatically allows upward movement for position adjustment. When engaged, it self-locks to prevent unintended movement. This self-service mechanism gives the user direct control over the balance between adjustability and movement control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle slouch seat having a carriage that includes a front side and a rear side. A link element is located on a rear side of the carriage and a slideable element is located on the front side of the carriage. A cushion is movable in an upward direction with the carriage connected to a base structure at one of a plurality of latch points. The cushion is prevented being rotated in the upward direction via a cushion rotational prevention structure with the carriage connected to the base structure at another one of the plurality of latch points.