Vehicle Seat Longitudinal Lock for Stable Easy-Entry Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats with longitudinal adjustment mechanisms often automatically move back from an easy-entry position due to weight force, making entry difficult and potentially hazardous, especially in vehicles with complex lever constructions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a simple construction featuring a longitudinal adjustment device, locking device, and an operating part that allows intuitive locking and unlocking, combined with a kinematic device for easy-entry positions, using a four-bar linkage and spring-elastic locking elements for robust engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vehicle seat is designed with a longitudinal adjustment mechanism that allows forward movement to an easy-entry position, then the ease of operation for entry is improved, but the seat automatically moves back due to weight force, creating a reliability issue and potential safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the main adjustment mechanism by introducing a separate locking device with a locking element that can engage with a locking surface on the adjustment rail. This independent locking mechanism prevents the seat from automatically moving back due to weight force, while the operator can easily disengage it when needed for entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to automatically engage with the locking surface when the seat reaches the desired forward position, preventing automatic rollback before the operator needs to adjust the seat again. This preliminary locking action maintains position stability without interfering with the ease of entry when deliberately unlocked.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex lever construction is used to achieve longitudinal adjustment and easy-entry position, then the adaptability of the seat is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex lever construction entirely and replaces it with a simplified direct adjustment mechanism combined with a separate locking device. The longitudinal adjustment is achieved through a straightforward mechanical linkage, while the locking function is provided by an independent locking element that engages with a locking surface, eliminating the need for complex interconnected levers.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system is segmented into independent functional components: a longitudinal adjustment mechanism for movement and a separate locking device for position fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and straightforward, avoiding the complexity that would arise from trying to combine adjustment and locking functions into a single complex mechanism.
3Reliability
If additional locking components are added to prevent automatic movement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated into the existing adjustment mechanism structure, combining the locking function with the longitudinal adjustment components. The locking element can be a simple pin, cam, or latch that works within the existing mechanical framework, rather than being a completely separate additional component, thereby reducing the overall number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to automatically engage with the locking surface through the natural movement of the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators, springs, or complex actuation systems. The locking action occurs self-service through the mechanical interaction between the locking element and locking surface as the seat reaches the desired position.
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
Enables secure, intuitive operation and easy conversion between occupied and easy-entry positions with minimal components, preventing inadvertent adjustments and ensuring comfortable entry without additional parts or bearings.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is formed spring-elastic. For locking to the mating locking element, the locking element can snap into place thereon in a simple way
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat comprises a longitudinal adjustment device with a first adjustment part which can be adjusted relative to a second adjustment part along a longitudinal direction, a locking device by means of which the first adjustment part can be arrested relative to the second adjustment part, and an operating part movably mounted on the first adjustment part, by actuation of which the locking device can be unlocked, a seat part which is supported on the second adjustment part via the first adjustment part, and an adjustment lock with a locking element mounted on the operating part and a mating locking element fixed to the second adjustment part, wherein the locking element can be locked to the mating locking element in at least one position of the first adjustment part relative to the second adjustment part.