Stowable Vehicle Seat Linkage for Single-Action Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stowable vehicle seats have high operation loads and difficult operation due to separate mechanisms for reclining lock and striker lock, making them cumbersome to stow and restore.
Innovation Solution
A stowable vehicle seat design that integrates a reclining assembly, an engaging and disengaging assembly, and a link mechanism operated by a single strap, allowing for simultaneous operation of reclining and engaging/disengaging functions, reducing the number of parts and operation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanisms are used for reclining lock and striker lock, then each mechanism can be independently controlled, but the operation load becomes high and the operation becomes difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reclining lock mechanism and striker lock mechanism into a single integrated locking mechanism. The operating element simultaneously controls both the reclining assembly and engaging assembly through a unified link mechanism, reducing operation load while maintaining independent control functionality through the coordinated action of multiple link members
2Reliability
If separate mechanisms are used for reclining lock and striker lock, then each mechanism can be independently controlled, but the operation becomes difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operating elements into a single operating element that controls both reclining and engaging functions. The link mechanism with multiple link members transmits the single operating element's motion to both the reclining assembly and engaging assembly, simplifying the user interface while maintaining independent control through coordinated mechanical action
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating elements are used for reclining assembly and engaging assembly, then each function can be controlled separately, but the number of parts increases and cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operating elements into a single operating element that simultaneously controls both the reclining assembly and engaging assembly. The link mechanism distributes the control function to multiple link members, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining separate control capabilities through the coordinated movement of the link mechanism components
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 design enhances operability by allowing seat stowing and restoring with a single operation, reduces operation load, and minimizes cost and weight through integration of functions and reduced parts.
Implementation Method 1
a link mechanism connected to the reclining assembly and the engaging and disengaging assembly... the link mechanism includes a first link member that is supported rotatably, connected to the operating element and the reclining mechanism, and rotated by the pulling of the operating element
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a stowable vehicle seat that can be stowed and restored with improved operability. The stowable vehicle seat has a seat support part for supporting a seat cushion so that the seat cushion is rotatable in the front and rear direction, a seat back having a reclining mechanism that folds over the seat cushion, a stowage recess provided on the vehicle body floor side, a front leg provided on the front side of the seat cushion, a leg locking element that engages and disengages the front leg with and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to the reclining mechanism and the leg locking element, and a strap that operates the reclining mechanism and the leg locking element via the link mechanism.