Vehicle Lock Cam Rod Mechanism for Pivoting Member Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle components such as armrests and seatbacks that pivot for storage often lack effective locking mechanisms, leading to instability and reduced storage capacity, as they can inadvertently pivot when not intended to.
Innovation Solution
A lock system comprising a button, cam, and rod mechanism that allows for controlled pivoting by extending or retracting a rod to lock the component in place, using a button that transitions from an undepressed to depressed position to rotate the cam and interact with grooved sections of the rod, changing its position relative to the component's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pivotable component (armrest or seatback) is designed without a locking mechanism, then the component can pivot freely for storage, but the component becomes unstable and may inadvertently pivot when not intended
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the rod can transition between extended (locked) and retracted (unlocked) positions. The cam mechanism allows the rod to be selectively extended or retracted based on whether the component should be locked or free to pivot, enabling the system to adapt its stability characteristics dynamically rather than being fixed in one state
Solution Approach 2:
The locking rod changes its positional parameter between two discrete states: extended position (protruding from the component to engage with the locking surface) and retracted position (withdrawn and allowing free pivoting). This parameter change enables the system to switch between locked and unlocked states, resolving the contradiction between stability and pivoting capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent pivoting, then component stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking rod that engages with the component, a cam mechanism for actuation, and a button for user input. Each component has a specific function, and they work together in a modular fashion. The rod provides the locking function, the cam provides the mechanical advantage and motion conversion, and the button provides the user interface, allowing the system to achieve stable locking without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the button (user input) and the locking rod (locking function). When the button is pressed, it actuates the cam, which then converts the linear motion into rotational motion to extend or retract the rod. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage and smooths the transition between locked and unlocked states, reducing the complexity of directly connecting the button to the rod
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rod is extended to lock the component in place, then stability improves, but the rod must be manually retracted to enable pivoting, increasing operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to automatically extend or retract the locking rod in response to button actuation. When the button is pressed, the cam's geometry causes the rod to move to the appropriate position without requiring separate manual manipulation. The system serves itself by converting the simple button press into the complex rod extension/retraction motion, reducing the operational steps for the user
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 lock system effectively prevents unintended pivoting by ensuring the rod is extended when the component is in the upright position and retracted when it is to be folded, enhancing storage capacity and user control.
Implementation Method 1
a cam rotatable about an axle and disposed beneath the exterior surface, the cam including a button contacting portion that contacts the terminal portion of the button
Data Source
AI summary
A lock for a pivoting member in a vehicle comprising: a button having a depressed position and an undepressed position; a cam abutting the button having a rotated position and an un-rotated position; and a rod operably connected to the cam having an extended position and a retracted position; wherein, when the button is in the depressed position, the cam is in the rotated position, and the rod is in the retracted position. The pivoting member can be an armrest or a seatback, among other things. The rod includes a first grooved section. The cam includes a first finger adjacent to the first grooved section. As the cam transitions from the un-rotated position to the rotated position, the first finger of the cam interacts with the first grooved section of the rod to cause the rod to transition from the extended position to the retracted position.