Vehicle Seat Interlocking Mechanism for Compact Lock Member Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats lack an efficient mechanism for interlocking the movement of a lock member with a movable part, and there is a desire for a smaller vehicle seat design that retains the lock member in an unlock position.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking mechanism with an attaching member, first and second rotational members, connecting members, and a retaining member that switches the lock state of a lock member based on the movement of a second movable part, allowing the lock member to be retained in an unlock position using a common rotation axis and a retaining member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional interlocking mechanism is used to link lock member movement with movable part movement, then the locking function is achieved, but the vehicle seat size increases and the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interlocking mechanism components into a more compact configuration where the lock member, first rotational member, second rotational member, and connecting members are integrated to share common spaces and movement paths, reducing the overall volume occupied by these components
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member and rotational members are designed to serve multiple functions: they not only control the locking and unlocking of the movable part but also interlock with each other to coordinate movements, and can be retained in unlocked positions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
2Reliability
If a conventional interlocking mechanism is used to link lock member movement with movable part movement, then the locking function is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the lock member for locking/unlocking, the first rotational member connected to the movable part, the second rotational member, and the connecting members that link them. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific, simplified function while working together to achieve the overall locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting members act as intermediaries that transmit movement between the rotational members and the lock member, simplifying the direct coupling requirements and reducing mechanism complexity by providing buffered, controlled interaction between components
3Device complexity
If no retaining mechanism is added, then the mechanism is simpler, but the lock member cannot be retained in the unlock position
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism itself provides the retention function through the interengagement of the lock member with the first and second rotational members. When the lock member is in the unlocked position, the geometric configuration of the interconnected components naturally maintains this state without requiring external retaining forces or additional complex mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a base part, a first movable part, a second movable part, a lock member, and an interlocking mechanism configured to link movement of the lock member to movement of the second movable part. The interlocking mechanism includes an attaching member, a first rotational member connected to the second movable part, a second rotational member connected to the lock member, and a swingable member provided swingably on the second rotational member. The engagement of the swingable member and the first rotational member causes the first rotational member and the second rotational member to rotate together, whereby the lock member moves from a lock position to an unlock position. The swingable member disengaging from the first rotational member permits the first rotational member and the second rotational member to rotate independently, whereby the lock member moves from the unlock position to the lock position.