Multifunction seat control apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A seat control system, comprising:
- a pulley mechanism;
a first cable slot that spans a first circumferential segment of a circumference of the pulley mechanism;
a guide surface which intersects said circumference, including a first segment, a second segment and a bend, wherein the first segment is nearer a radial of the pulley mechanism and is angled toward an actuation direction of rotation, the second segment is nearer the circumference of the pulley mechanism and is angled away from the actuation direction of rotation, and the first and second segments are connected by the bend, wherein the bend is located at a radial distance from the radial of the pulley mechanism such that when the pulley mechanism is rotated in the actuation direction from an initial position with a first cable initially not under substantial tension and a first cable end slides inward toward the axis of the pulley mechanism and does not actuate the first cablea first cable-end entryway by which the first cable can be introduced into the first cable slot, wherein the first cable has a first cable end which is inserted through the first cable-end entryway so that the first cable rides in the first cable slot and the first cable end interfaces with the guide surface.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multifunction seat control system includes a pulley mechanism in an enclosure, an actuation shaft to attach an external handle, and multiple latch actuation cables. The pulley mechanism includes multiple circumferential slots in which the cables ride, and cable-end entryways through which associated cables ends can be inserted. A lockout device detects a seat-back position to selectively limit the rotational travel of the pulley mechanism. The pulley mechanism is rotationally actuated to a predetermined angle to release a seat-back latch so the seat back can recline or fold forward, and beyond the predetermined angle to release seat-bottom latches so the seat can tumble into a stowage configuration. The control system optionally includes a headrest cable to release a headrest as the seat back is folded forward, and a release strap to actuate the pulley mechanism from behind the seat.
24 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A seat control system, comprising:
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a pulley mechanism; a first cable slot that spans a first circumferential segment of a circumference of the pulley mechanism; a guide surface which intersects said circumference, including a first segment, a second segment and a bend, wherein the first segment is nearer a radial of the pulley mechanism and is angled toward an actuation direction of rotation, the second segment is nearer the circumference of the pulley mechanism and is angled away from the actuation direction of rotation, and the first and second segments are connected by the bend, wherein the bend is located at a radial distance from the radial of the pulley mechanism such that when the pulley mechanism is rotated in the actuation direction from an initial position with a first cable initially not under substantial tension and a first cable end slides inward toward the axis of the pulley mechanism and does not actuate the first cable a first cable-end entryway by which the first cable can be introduced into the first cable slot, wherein the first cable has a first cable end which is inserted through the first cable-end entryway so that the first cable rides in the first cable slot and the first cable end interfaces with the guide surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A seat control system, comprising:
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means for rotationally actuating a pulley mechanism in an actuation direction; means for selectively actuating a first cable with the pulley mechanism based on the amount of tension initially sustained by the first cable; means for selectively limiting a rotational travel of the pulley mechanism to a predetermined angle based on a seat-back position; and means for actuating a second cable when the pulley mechanism rotates in the actuation direction beyond the predetermined angle. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification