Spring Latch Seat Cushion Attachment With Automatic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat cushion attachment mechanisms, such as twist locks, require additional steps for secure retention and are not automatically latching, complicating the installation process and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A spring latch with a V-shaped spring portion and a triangular brace portion, featuring a spring leg that engages the seat frame and a locking leg with a lock formation, along with a cushion engaging leg and a brace leg, automatically secures the seat cushion to the seat frame by receiving the brace leg into the lock formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a twist lock mechanism is used to attach the seat cushion, then the seat cushion can be retained on the seat frame, but the mechanism does not automatically latch and requires secondary steps for secure retention
Solution Approach 1:
The spring latch mechanism is designed to automatically latch the seat cushion to the seat frame without requiring secondary steps from the installer. The spring-loaded design with cam surface automatically engages the locking leg into the lock formation when the cushion is positioned, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for additional manual securing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring portion is pre-loaded in a compressed state during manufacturing, storing elastic potential energy that is ready to automatically engage the latch mechanism. This preliminary preparation of the spring ensures that when the cushion is installed, the latching action occurs automatically without requiring the installer to perform additional securing steps.
2Ease of manufacture
If a twist lock mechanism is used, then the seat cushion can be attached to the seat frame, but additional steps are required for secure retention
Solution Approach 1:
The spring portion and brace portion are merged into a single integrated latch assembly that is manufactured as one piece. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled during installation, eliminating secondary steps while maintaining secure retention, and reduces manufacturing complexity compared to multi-component twist lock systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single latch assembly performs multiple functions: the spring portion provides both the latching force and the locking mechanism, while the brace portion provides structural support and positioning. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces both installation steps and manufacturing complexity compared to separate mechanisms for latching and bracing.
3Reliability
If a spring latch mechanism is designed with multiple legs and portions, then automatic latching and secure retention are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is segmented into two main functional portions: the spring portion with its legs for engagement and latching, and the brace portion for structural support. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining an overall simple integrated structure that achieves automatic latching without excessive complexity.
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 spring latch provides easy installation, automatic latching, and secure retention of the seat cushion, allowing for easy pivoting while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring portion (20) having a general V-shape. The spring portion has a spring leg (38) that engages the seat frame
Data Source
AI summary
A method of attaching a seat cushion to a seat frame includes the steps of providing a spring latch having a spring portion and a brace portion, engaging a spring leg of the spring portion with the seat frame, attaching a cushion engaging leg of the brace portion to the seat cushion, and receiving a brace leg of the brace portion into a lock formation on a locking leg of the spring portion.