Vehicle Seat Latch with Integrated Mounting Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latches for reclining vehicle seat backrests are burdensome to install and costly to manufacture due to the need for numerous components, which can lead to undesired detachment during braking, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A latch design featuring a support structure with a coupling mechanism that directly connects to the frame of the backrest using an elongated member, eliminating the need for intermediate components, and incorporating a coupling mechanism with rotating elements and springs to securely engage a striker, allowing for stable and releasable locking in a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous components such as brackets and plates are used to firmly fix the latch to the backrest frame, then the resistance to stresses and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting bracket and the latch body into a single integrated component. The latch body directly incorporates mounting features that engage with the backrest frame, eliminating the need for separate brackets and plates. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the structural strength and stress resistance required for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch body is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism, serves as a mounting structure, and incorporates stress-distribution features. By making the latch body multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If numerous components such as brackets and plates are used to firmly fix the latch to the backrest frame, then the resistance to stresses and reliability are improved, but the installation time and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the mounting bracket and latch body into one integrated component, the installation process is simplified from assembling multiple separate parts to installing a single unit. This reduces the number of assembly steps and fasteners required, significantly decreasing installation time while maintaining the same stress resistance through the integrated design.
3Reliability
If numerous components such as brackets and plates are used to firmly fix the latch to the backrest frame, then the resistance to stresses and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the mounting bracket and latch body into a single component reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity, inventory requirements, and assembly costs, while the integrated design maintains adequate stress distribution and structural integrity through carefully designed mounting features built into the latch body.
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 latch provides a secure and stable locking mechanism that reduces the risk of detachment, simplifies installation, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining resistance and stability, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring arranged in said support structure and in operative connection with said rotating element, said spring being suited to apply a rotating force to said rotating element, so as to cause it to rotate between a first position and a second position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The latch (10; 110) comprises a support structure (12) to be fitted to the frame (F) of a backrest of a seat; and a coupling mechanism (14; 114) associated with the support structure (12) and adapted to be coupled to a fixed striker (R) in a releasable manner, when the backrest is in a substantially straight position. The latch comprises, furthermore, an elongated member (16), which, on one side, is adapted to be firmly and directly coupled to the support structure (12) and, on the other side, is adapted to be firmly and directly coupled to the frame (F), without obstructing the operation of the coupling mechanism (14; 114).