Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to vehicles, more particularly to motion restriction assembly used in vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[002] Vehicle seats are equipped with a recliner lever mechanism which consists of a recliner lever, which is configured to recline the seats when actuated. But during any unintentional events, like crash events, panic braking, a seatbelt adjacent to the vehicle seat may be entrapped in recliner lever. Therefore, such unintentional events may result in accidently actuation of the seatbelt, thereby actuating the recliner lever. As a result, the seat may experience a forward motion, i.e., a backrest of the seat may be inclined in forward direction. In this scenario, the motion of the backrest generates a sudden force causing injury to the passenger and driver by entrapping the driver or passenger in between the seat and the backrest. This drawback of the recliner lever mechanism reduces the standards of safety in vehicles.
[003] Therefore, there is a need to restrict the motion of the unintentional recliner of the seat to enhance safety standards in the automobiles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] In an embodiment, a motion restriction assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The motion restriction assembly may include a first unidirectional member rotatably coupled to a recliner lever mechanism of a seat. Further, the motion restriction assembly may include a second unidirectional member that is pivoted on a seat frame of the seat. The motion restriction assembly may include a biasing member coupled to the second unidirectional member and fixated on the seat frame. In an embodiment, the biasing member may be configured to engage the second unidirectional member against the first unidirectional member when subjected to a predefined force.
[005] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a seat that may include a recliner lever mechanism. The vehicle may include a motion restriction assembly. The vehicle may include a first unidirectional member rotatably coupled on the recliner lever mechanism of the seat. The vehicle may include a second unidirectional member pivoted on a seat frame of the seat. The vehicle may include a biasing member coupled to the second unidirectional member and fixated on the seat frame. In an embodiment, the biasing member may be configured to engage the second unidirectional member against the first unidirectional member when subjected to a predefined force.
[006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a seat equipped with a motion restriction assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[009] FIG. 2 illustrates an isolated view of the motion restriction assembly with respect to the seat, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[010] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the motion restriction assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first unidirectional member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second unidirectional member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a seat frame assembled with the first unidirectional member and the second unidirectional member, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled view of the motion restriction assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[015] FIG. 8A illustrates a disengaged state of the motion restriction assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[016] FIG. 8B illustrates an engaged state of the motion restriction assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[017] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[018] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[019] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1-8B.
[020] As explained earlier, the recliner of the vehicle seat resulted due to actuation of the recliner lever by the seatbelt, especially during the unintentional events may pose serious threats to the passenger or driver during event of sudden braking or during crash events. Therefore, the motion of the recliner lever mechanism in such unintentional events is required to be restricted in order to prevent any injuries to the passenger or the driver.
[021] To this end, a motion restriction assembly for a vehicle is illustrated. The motion restriction assembly may be equipped on a seat frame of the vehicle, and may be configured to prevent actuation of the recliner lever by the seatbelt. Accordingly, the motion restriction device is configured to restrict the motion of the recliner lever, when subjected to an inertial force resulted by unintentional events such as a vehicle crash, sudden braking of the vehicle, and the like.
[022] Now referring to FIG. 1 which illustrates a perspective view 100 of the seat equipped with a motion restriction assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the seat 102 may include a backrest 108, disposed transpose to the seating cushion 110. In an embodiment, the seat 102 may further include a recliner lever 104, which when actuated, may be configured to rotate the backrest 108 about the seating cushion 110. As explained earlier, during the unintentional events, a seatbelt (not shown in figures) may be entrapped within the recliner lever 104. As a result, the recliner lever 104 may be accidently actuated, thereby rotating the backrest in a forward direction, or in clockwise direction against the seating cushion 110, which is undesirable.
[023] Therefore, the motion restriction assembly (not shown) may be installed on a seat frame 106 and the recliner lever 104, and may be configured to restrict the motion of the backrest 108, by preventing unintentional actuation of the recliner lever 104, especially by the seatbelt. In other words, the motion restriction assembly comes into play when the recliner lever 104 is pulled unintentionally by the seatbelt during an unintentional event. The assembly of the motion restriction assembly is explained in detail in conjunction with FIGs. 2-7.
[024] Now referring to FIG. 2, which illustrates an isolated view 200 of the motion restriction assembly with respect to the seat 102, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the motion restriction assembly 202 may be installed on the seat 102. Particularly, the motion restriction assembly 202 may be installed on the recliner lever 104 and the seat frame 106.
[025] In an embodiment, the motion restriction assembly 202 may include a first unidirectional member 204. The first unidirectional member 204 may be rotatably coupled to the recliner lever 104. Further, the motion restriction assembly 202 may include a second unidirectional member 206. The second unidirectional member 206 may be pivoted on the seat frame 106 of the seat 102. Further, the motion restriction assembly 202 may further include a biasing member 208. The biasing member 208 may be coupled to the second unidirectional member 206 and fixated to the seat frame 106.
[026] In an embodiment, the biasing member 208 may be configured to engage the second unidirectional member 206 against the first unidirectional member 204, when subjected to a predefined force. The predefined force may include an inertial force generated as a result of the unintentional events. In an embodiment, the predefined force may be configured to extend the biasing member 208, due to which the second unidirectional member 206 may be rotated about the pivot point thereof, to engage the first unidirectional member 204.
[027] In an embodiment, the motion restriction assembly 202 may further include a stopper 210. The stopper 210 may be fixated on the seat frame 106. In an embodiment, the stopper 210 may be configured to restrict the second unidirectional member 206, especially when the second unidirectional member 206 may be biased, or rotated away from the first unidirectional member 204. For example, when the biasing member 208 may be retracted, or not extended during normal events, the biasing member 208 may bias the second unidirectional member 206 away from the first unidirectional member 204. The normal conditions may represents events after the unintentional events may have passed, or during normal operation of the vehicle, such that the biasing member 208 experiences a force less than the predefined force.
[028] The second unidirectional member 206 may engage with the first directional member 204 and act as a lock that restricts any further motion of the first directional member 204, thereby restricting the motion of the recliner lever 106 when actuated by the seatbelt. The restriction of motion of the recliner lever 106 is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIGs. 8A-8B.
[029] Now referring to FIG. 3, illustrating an exploded view 300 of the motion restriction assembly 202, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, as explained earlier, the motion restriction assembly 202 may include the first unidirectional member 204 and the second unidirectional member 206. The first unidirectional member 204 may include a circular profile 302. Further, the first unidirectional member 204 may be fixated to a recliner lever shaft 304. Further, the recliner lever shaft 304 may be coupled to the recliner lever 104. In an embodiment, the first unidirectional member 204 may be fixated between the recliner lever 104 and the seat frame 106 on the recliner shaft 304. In an embodiment, the first unidirectional member 204 and the recliner shaft 304 may rotate together in unison, when the recliner lever 104 is actuated under normal events.
[030] In an embodiment, the second unidirectional member 206 may be pivoted on seat frame 106. The second unidirectional member 206 may include a first end 306, and a second end 308 oppositely disposed to the first end 306. In an embodiment, the second unidirectional member 206 may further include a pivot groove 312 between the first end 306 and the second end 308. When positioned on the seat frame 106, a fastener 314 along with a fastening bush 316 may pass through the pivot groove 312, to rotatably fixate the second unidirectional member 206 on the seat frame 106.
[031] As explained earlier, and with continuous reference to FIG. 3, the stopper 210 may be configured to restrict the motion of the second unidirectional member 206, when the second unidirectional member 206 is biased away from the first unidirectional member 204. In an embodiment, the stopper 210 may be formed on the seat frame 106, or adjoined to the seat frame 106 using any fastening methods known in the art. In an embodiment, the stopper 210 may be formed as a cylindrical member extending from the seat frame 106 up to a predefined length. In an embodiment, the cylindrical member may be configured to rest the first end 306 of the second unidirectional member 206 thereon, to restrict the motion of the second unidirectional member 206 under normal events.
[032] In an embodiment, the biasing member 208, may include a biasing means, such as but not limited to, a coil spring. In an embodiment, the biasing member 208 may be coupled to the seat frame 106, and to the second end 308 of the second unidirectional member 206. For example, the biasing member 208 may include multiple ends, such that at least one end may be coupled, or hooked to the seat frame 106 about a biasing groove 318, and the other end may be coupled, or hooked to the second end 308. As explained earlier, the biasing member 208 may be extended under an influence of the predefined force, and as a result, the second unidirectional member 206 may be rotated towards the first unidirectional member 204. When a magnitude of the predefined force acting on the biasing member 208 may be reduced, the biasing member 208 may be retracted to the normal state, and as a result, the second unidirectional member 206 may be rotated away from the first unidirectional member 204.
[033] In an embodiment, the first unidirectional member 204 and the second unidirectional member 206 may be interlocked when engaged, thereby restricting any movement of the recliner lever 104. Such interlocking may be achieved by engagement of teeth of the first unidirectional member 204 and the second unidirectional member 206. The teeth of the first unidirectional member 204 and the second unidirectional member 206 may be designed in such a manner that when engaged, the first unidirectional member 204 and the second unidirectional member 206 may be interlocked. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIGs. 4-7.
[034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view 400 of the first unidirectional member 204, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view 500 of the second unidirectional member 206, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view 600 of the seat frame 106 assembled with the first unidirectional member 204 and the second unidirectional member 206, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[035] In an embodiment, the first unidirectional member 204 may include a first set of teeth 402 on the circular profile 302. The first set of teeth 402 may be formed with a first teeth profile. In an embodiment, the first teeth profile may me designed in such a manner that one of the face of each teeth may include a planar face, and the opposite face from the planar face include a curved face. Further, between the planar face and the curved face, a top land may be formed as a pointed end. Accordingly, such profile may be iterated on every teeth on the set of teeth 402.
[036] In an embodiment, the second unidirectional member 206, as explained earlier, may include the first end 306 and the second end 308. The first end 306 may include a second set of teeth 310. In an embodiment, the second set of teeth 310 may be formed using a second teeth profile. Moreover, the second teeth profile may also include another unidirectional teeth profile, which may be formed opposite to the first teeth profile. For example, a face of a teeth on the second unidirectional member 206 corresponding to the curved face of the teeth on the first unidirectional member 204 may be formed as a planar face, and the face of a teeth on the second unidirectional member 206 corresponding to the planar face of the teeth on the first unidirectional member 204 may be formed as a curved teeth. The opposite profiles are capable of restricting the motion of their respective unidirectional members when engaged, or when the first unidirectional member 204 may engage the second unidirectional member 206.
[037] In an embodiment, the second unidirectional member 206 may include a cutout portion, or a groove 504 formed on the first end 306. Further, on the second end 308, the unidirectional member 206 may include a counterweight portion. The counterweight portion may include a portion of increased thickness or volume, or a dead mass formed on the second end 308. Alternatively, the counterweight may also include an external attachment which may be configured to increase weight of the second end 308 when attached. Accordingly, due to the groove 318 on the first end 306, and the counterweight on the second end 308, the moment of inertia of the first end 306 may be greater than the moment of inertia of the second end 308, when an inertial force may be experienced during the unintentional event. Therefore, the center of gravity may lie towards the second end 308, due to which the second end 308 may rotate easily as compared to the first end 304.
[038] Accordingly, the second unidirectional member 206 when subjected to the force greater than the predefined force via the biasing member 208, the second end 306 may be rotated about the fastener 314 with a higher momentum along with extending the biasing member 208. Therefore, the first end 304 may also be rotated in unison with the second end 306, and therefore, the second set of teeth 502 may engage the first set of teeth 402. As explained earlier, the second teeth profile of the second set of teeth 502 being opposite to the first teeth profile of the first set of teeth 402, and hence, the engagement of the second set of teeth 502 with the first set of teeth 402 may result in interlocking therebetween. As may be appreciated, interlocking the second set of teeth 502 with the first set of teeth 402 may also interlock the first unidirectional member 204 with the first unidirectional member 206, and hence, the motion of the recliner lever 106 may be restricted.
[039] Now, referring to FIG. 7, illustrating a side perspective view 700 of the motion restriction assembly 202, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 depicts the assembly of the first unidirectional member 204, the second unidirectional member 206 and the biasing member 208. The first unidirectional member 204 may be rotatably coupled to the recliner lever shaft 304 of the recliner lever 104 (refer to FIG. 1), and may be disposed adjacent to the second unidirectional member 206. As a result, the second unidirectional member 206 may require a less angular travel to engage with the first unidirectional member 204 when rotated about the fastener 314 under normal event when retracted by the biasing member 208, or during the unintentional event under the influence of the predefined force.
[040] In an embodiment, the biasing member 208 may include a first biasing end 702 and a second biasing end 704. The first biasing end 702 may be formed as a hook portion, and hooked to the seat frame 106. Further, the second biasing end 704 may also be formed as a hook portion, which may be hooked to the second end 308 of the second unidirectional member 206. In an embodiment, the second end 308 of the second unidirectional member 206 may include a biasing receptacle 706. Consequently, the biasing receptacle 706 may receive the second biasing end 704 to couple the biasing member 208 to the second unidirectional member 206.
[041] In an alternative embodiment, instead of the biasing member 208, the motion restriction assembly 202 may include an electronic actuation unit, such as for example, an electronic actuator. The electronic actuator may be coupled to the second end 308 of the second unidirectional member 206, and may be communicably connected to various sensors in the vehicle, such as a crash sensor, or any similar events which may detect the vehicle experiencing the unintentional event. Upon detection, the electronic actuation unit may be actuated to rotate the second end 308 of the second unidirectional member 206 towards the first biasing member 204.
[042] Now referring to FIG. 8A, which illustrates a disengaged state 800A of the motion restriction assembly 202, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8B, which illustrates the engaged state 800B of the motion restriction assembly 202, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The disengaged state may indicate disengagement of the first unidirectional member 204 and the second unidirectional member 206. In an embodiment, the disengaged state may be attained under normal events, or as explained earlier, when the force experienced by the biasing member 208 may be less than the predefined force. It should be noted that when the biasing member 208 experiences the force less predefined force there may be no extension in the biasing member 208, and hence, no force may act on the second unidirectional member 206 which may tend to rotate the second unidirectional member 206 towards the first unidirectional member 204. Accordingly, the second unidirectional member 208 may rest on the stopper 210.
[043] In an embodiment, and as explained earlier, when the vehicle experiences the unintentional event, the predefined force may act on the biasing member 208. This predefined force may include the inertial force, which may act on the biasing member 208. Consequently, the biasing member 208 may be extended and the second unidirectional member 206 may be rotated in counterclockwise direction, towards the first unidirectional member 204. Therefore, the second unidirectional member 206 may engage the first unidirectional member 204, and hence, the engaged state of the motion restriction assembly 202 may be achieved (refer to FIG. 8B). As explained earlier, the engagement of the second unidirectional member 206 and the first unidirectional member 204 may also result in engagement of the first set of teeth 402 with the second set of teeth 502. As a result, the second unidirectional member 206 and the first unidirectional member 204 may be interlocked, and the motion of the first unidirectional member 204 may be restricted by the second unidirectional member 206. The restriction in motion of the first unidirectional member 204 may result in preventing the actuation of the recliner lever 104, and hence, any further undesired motion of the backrest 108 of the seat 102 may be prevented.
[044] In an embodiment, after completion of the unintentional event, the predefined force experienced by the biasing member 208 may gradually decrease, i.e., the inertial force may decrease. Accordingly, the biasing member 208 may be retracted, and the second unidirectional member 206 may be rotated in clockwise direction, until rested on the stopper 210. Therefore, the motion restriction assembly 202 may be configured to iteratively restrict motion of the first unidirectional member 204, for every unintentional event experienced by the vehicle.
[045] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[046] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[047] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[048] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:1. A motion restriction assembly (202) for a vehicle, the motion restriction assembly (202) comprising:
a first unidirectional member (204) rotatably coupled to a recliner lever (104) of a seat (102);
a second unidirectional member (206) pivoted on a seat frame (106) of the seat (102); and
a biasing member (208) coupled to the second unidirectional member (206) and fixated on the seat frame (106), wherein the biasing member (208) is configured to engage the second unidirectional member (206) against the first unidirectional member (204) when subjected to a predefined force.
2. The motion restriction assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first unidirectional member (204) comprises:
a first set of teeth (402) formed using a first teeth profile.
3. The motion restriction assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second unidirectional member (206) is pivoted on the seat frame (106) using a pivot (314), wherein the second unidirectional member (206) comprises:
a first end (306), comprising:
a second set of teeth (502) formed using a second teeth profile, wherein the second teeth profile is opposite to the first teeth profile; and
a second end (308) disposed oppositely to the first end (306) and coupled to the biasing member (208), wherein the second end (308) comprises a counterweight.
4. The motion restriction assembly (202)as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing member (208) comprises:
a first biasing end (702) coupled to the seat frame (106); and
a second biasing end (704) oppositely disposed to the first biasing end (702) and coupled to the second end (308).
5. The motion restriction assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a stopper (210) fixated on the seat frame (106), wherein the stopper (210) is configured to rest the second unidirectional member (206) thereon and away from the first unidirectional member (204), when the biasing member (208) experiences a force less than the predefined force.
6. A vehicle comprising:
a seat (102), comprising:
a recliner lever (104);
a first unidirectional member (204) rotatably coupled to the recliner lever (104) of the seat (102);
a second unidirectional member (206) pivoted on a seat frame (106) of the seat (102); and
a biasing member (208) coupled to the second unidirectional member (206) and fixated on the seat frame (106), wherein the biasing member (208) is configured to engage the second unidirectional member (206) against the first unidirectional member (204) when subjected to a predefined force.
7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first unidirectional member (204) comprises:
a first set of teeth (402) formed using a first teeth profile.
8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second unidirectional member (206) is pivoted on the seat frame (106) using a pivot (314), wherein the second unidirectional member (206) comprises:
a first end (306), comprising:
a second set of teeth (502) formed using a second teeth profile, wherein the second teeth profile is opposite to the first teeth profile; and
a second end (308) disposed oppositely to the first end (306) and coupled to the biasing member (208), wherein the second end (308) comprises a counterweight.
9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing member (208) comprises:
a first biasing end (702) coupled to the seat frame (106); and
a second biasing end (704) oppositely disposed to the first biasing end (702) and coupled to the second end (308).
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a stopper (210) fixated on the seat frame (106), wherein the stopper (210) is configured to rest the second unidirectional member (206) thereon and away from the first unidirectional member (204), when the biasing member (208) experiences a force less than the predefined force.