Unified Tilt Control Axis for Dual Handle Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing seat back tilting devices in motor vehicles require two separate tilt control axes for different types of control handles, making the mounting process complicated and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A unified tilt control axis that accommodates both types of control handles, featuring distinct or shared reception zones for return elements and a force transmission zone, along with a keying system using different dimensions or a rib for secure mounting and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate tilt control axes are used for different types of control handles, then each handle type can be securely mounted, but the mounting process becomes complicated and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of control handlesVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control axis is designed with a universal reception zone that can accommodate both types of return elements (integral shutter type and separate spring type). This allows a single control axis to support multiple handle types, eliminating the need for separate specialized axes for each handle type, thereby reducing mounting complexity while maintaining secure mounting for both handle types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control axis is segmented into distinct functional zones: a reception zone for return elements and a force transmission zone. This segmentation allows the axis to independently accommodate different return element types while maintaining a unified force transmission mechanism, resolving the contradiction between handling multiple handle types and maintaining simple mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If two separate tilt control axes are used for different types of control handles, then each handle type can be securely mounted, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of control handlesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single universal control axis that can accommodate both handle types, the manufacturing cost is reduced compared to producing and inventorying two separate specialized axes. The unified design simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces part variety, while the reception zone geometry ensures reliable mounting for both integral and separate return element types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functionality of two separate control axes into one unified axis. The control axis integrates both the reception zone for different return element types and the force transmission zone into a single component, eliminating the need for two separate axes and thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining secure mounting capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a unified control axis is used for both handle types, then mounting is simplified and costs are reduced, but the axis must accommodate different return element types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different handle types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control axis is divided into functionally distinct zones: a reception zone with geometry that can accommodate both integral shutter return elements and separate spring return elements, and a force transmission zone with rectangular or square section. This segmentation allows the single axis to adapt to different handle types while maintaining simplified mounting procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reception zone of the control axis is designed with universal geometric characteristics that allow it to receive and secure both types of return elements. This universality enables the single control axis to work with both integral and separate return element types, achieving both mounting simplicity and handle type compatibility simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2870026B1Seat-back tilting device
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 RENAULT SA
  • EP2870026B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2870026B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention concerns a seat-back tilting device, comprising a tilt control handle (1a, 1b) that can be chosen from a first control handle (1a) and a second control handle (1b), and a tilt control shaft (2) on which the control handle (1a, 1b) is arranged, characterised in that the control shaft (2) comprises: - an area (21) for receiving a first return member (15) combined with the first control handle (1a), - an area (22) for receiving a second return member (14) combined with the second control handle (1b), and - an area (23) for transmitting forces from the first control handle (1a) and from the second control handle (1b).