Patent Publication Number: US-2020282879-A1

Title: Recliner Heart For Seat Assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/814,320, filed on Mar. 6, 2019. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a recliner heart for a seat assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art. 
     Vehicle seats often include a recliner heart that can rotate a seatback relative to a seat bottom. A hand lever can be rotated to move the recliner heart between a locked position preventing relative rotation between the seatback and the seat bottom and an unlocked position permitting relative rotation between the seatback and the seat bottom. When a conventional recliner heart is in the locked position, tolerances between components of the recliner heart may allow some movement of the seatback relative to the seat bottom. The present disclosure provides a recliner heart that reduces or prevents movement of the seatback relative to the seat bottom when the recliner heart is in the locked position during an impact event. 
     Furthermore, when a vehicle in which a seat is installed travels across rough terrain, for example, and the recliner heart is in the locked position, tolerances between components of the recliner heart may allow for the components to generate noise due to vibration of the components. The present disclosure also provides a recliner heart that reduces vibration and noise. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     In one form, the present disclosure provides a recliner heart that may include a first plate, a second plate and a pawl. The first plate defines a recess. The second plate includes a first inner diametrical surface having teeth formed thereon. The pawl is slidably disposed in the recess between a secure position in which the pawl is engaged with a portion of the teeth of the second platen to restrict relative rotation between the first and second plates and a release position in which the pawl is disengaged from the portion of the teeth of the second plate to allow relative rotation between the first and second plates. A lateral side of the pawl includes a first slot. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of the above paragraph, material from the first plate is allowed to deform into the first slot upon an impact event. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first plate includes a plurality of protrusions. The pawl is disposed in the recess defined between two of the plurality of protrusions. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the lateral side of the pawl faces a lateral side of a respective protrusion of the two of the plurality of protrusions. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, material from the respective protrusion is allowed to deform into the first slot upon an impact event. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the pawl is fixed in the recess when the pawl is in the secure position and material from the respective protrusion deforms into the first slot. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a plurality of first walls cooperate to define the first slot. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, at least one of the plurality of first walls is angled. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a second slot is formed in an opposing lateral side of the pawl. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a second slot is formed in the lateral side of the pawl. Material from the respective protrusion is allowed to deform into the second slot upon the impact event. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a plurality of second walls cooperate to define the second slot. 
     In another form, the present disclosure provides a recliner heart that may include a first plate, a second plate and a pawl. The first plate includes a plate surface having a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom. Two of the plurality of protrusions define a recess therebetween. The second plate includes a first inner diametrical surface having teeth formed thereon. The pawl is slidably disposed in the recess between a secure position in which the pawl is engaged with a portion of the teeth of the second plate to restrict relative rotation between the first and second plates and a release position in which the pawl is disengaged from the portion of the teeth of the second plate to allow relative rotation between the first and second plates. Opposing lateral sides of the pawl include a first pair of slots. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of the above paragraph, each lateral side of the pawl faces a lateral side of a respective protrusion of the two of the plurality of protrusions. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, material from one of the two of the plurality of protrusions is allowed to deform into one slot of the first pair of slots upon an impact event. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the pawl is fixed in the recess when the pawl is in the secure position and material from the one of the two of the plurality of protrusions deform into the one slot of the first pair of slots. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a plurality of first walls cooperate to define each slot of the first pair of slots. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, at least one of the plurality of first walls is angled relative to the opposing lateral sides of the pawl. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the pawl includes a second pair of slots formed in the opposing lateral sides. Material from the first plate is allowed to deform into one slot of the first pair of slots and one slot of the second pair of slots upon an impact event. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the pawl includes a second pair of slots formed in the opposing lateral sides. Material from the one of the two of the plurality of protrusions is allowed to deform into one slot of the second pair of slots upon the impact event. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a plurality of second walls cooperate to define each slot of the second pair of slots. At least one of the plurality of second walls is angled relative to the opposing lateral sides of the pawl. 
     In another form, the present disclosure provides a recliner heart that may include a first plate, a second plate, a pawl and a first compression member. The first plate defines a recess. The second plate includes a first inner diametrical surface having teeth formed thereon. The pawl is slidably disposed in the recess between a secure position in which the pawl is engaged with a portion of the teeth of the second plate to restrict relative rotation between the first and second plates and a release position in which the pawl is disengaged from the portion of the teeth of the second plate to allow relative rotation between the first and second plates. The pawl includes a lateral side that has a first slot. The first compression member is disposed in the first slot and is configured to dampen vibration of the pawl and the first plate. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of the above paragraph, the first compression member is force-fitted into the first slot so that the first compression member is under compression in the first slot. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first plate includes a plurality of protrusions that define the recess. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first plate includes a plurality of protrusions. The pawl is disposed in the recess defined between two of the plurality of protrusions. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the lateral side of the pawl faces a lateral side of a respective one of protrusions. A clearance gap exists between the lateral side of the pawl and the lateral side of the respective one of the protrusions. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a plurality of first walls cooperate to define the first slot. The first compression member is in contact with one of the first walls and the lateral side of the respective protrusion. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the one of the first walls and the lateral side of the respective protrusion extend parallel to each other. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a second slot is formed in the lateral side of the pawl. A second compression member is disposed in the second slot and configured to dampen vibration of the pawl and the first plate. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second compression member is made of a polymeric material. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a plurality of second walls cooperate to define the second slot. The second compression member is in contact with one of the second walls and the lateral side of the respective protrusion. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first compression member is made of a polymeric material. 
     In another form, the present disclosure provides a recliner heart that may include a first plate, a second plate, a pawl and first compression members. The first plate includes a plate surface having a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom. Two of the plurality of protrusions defines a recess therebetween. The second plate includes a first inner diametrical surface having teeth formed thereon. The pawl is slidably disposed in the recess between a secure position in which the pawl is engaged with a portion of the teeth of the second plate to restrict relative rotation between the first and second plates and a release position in which the pawl is disengaged from the portion of the teeth of the second plate to allow relative rotation between the first and second plates. The pawl includes opposing lateral sides. Each of the lateral sides includes a first slot. A first compression member is disposed in each of the first slots and configured to dampen vibration of the pawl and the first plate. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of the above paragraph, the first compression members are force-fitted into the first slots so that the first compression members are under compression in the first slots. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, each lateral side of the pawl faces a lateral side of a respective protrusion of the two of the plurality of protrusions. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a clearance gap exists between each lateral side of the pawl and the lateral side of the respective protrusion. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a plurality of first walls cooperate to define each slot of the first slots. Each first compression member is in contact with one of the first walls and the lateral side of the respective protrusion. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the one of the first walls and the lateral side of the respective protrusion extend parallel to each other. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, each of the lateral sides of the pawl includes a second slot. A second compression member is disposed in each of the second slots and are configured to dampen vibration of the pawl and the first plate. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a plurality of second walls cooperate to define each slot of the second slots. Each second compression member is in contact with one of the second walls and the lateral side of the respective protrusion. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second compression members are made of a polymeric material. 
     In some configurations of the recliner heart of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first compression members are made of a polymeric material. 
     In another form, the present disclosure provides a vehicle seat assembly that may include a seat bottom, a seatback, and a recliner mechanism. The seatback is movable relative to the seat bottom between an upright position and a reclined position. The recliner mechanism is connected to the seat bottom and the seatback and is operable to selectively allow and restrict movement of the seatback relative to the seat bottom. The recliner mechanism includes a recliner heat. The recliner heart may include a first plate, a second plate and a pawl. The first plate defines a recess. The second plate includes a first inner diametrical surface having teeth formed thereon. The pawl is slidably disposed in the recess between a secure position in which the pawl is engaged with a portion of the teeth of the second plate to restrict relative rotation between the first and second plates and a release position in which the pawl is disengaged from the portion of the teeth of the second plate to allow relative rotation between the first and second plates. A lateral side of the pawl includes a slot. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a vehicle having a seat incorporating a recliner assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the recliner assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a portion of the recliner assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a recliner mechanism of the recliner assembly of  FIG. 1  in an unlocked state; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the recliner mechanism of the recliner assembly of  FIG. 1  in a locked state; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the recliner mechanism during an impact event; 
         FIG. 7  is a close-up view of a portion of the recliner mechanism indicated as area  7  in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a close-up view of a portion of another recliner mechanism during an impact event; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of alternate pawl of the recliner mechanism; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of a vehicle having a seat incorporating a recliner assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the recliner assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a portion of the recliner assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a recliner mechanism of the recliner assembly of  FIG. 10  in an unlocked state; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the recliner mechanism of the recliner assembly of  FIG. 10  in a locked state; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial cross-sectional view of the recliner mechanism of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 16  is an exaggerated close-up view of a portion of the recliner mechanism indicated as area  16  in  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , a recliner assembly  10  is provided that may be incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly  12  having a seatback  14  and a seat bottom  16 . The seatback  14  and seat bottom  16  may include a seatback frame  18  and a seat bottom frame  20  respectively. The seat assembly  12  may be positioned in a vehicle  22 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The recliner assembly  10  may include a first recliner mechanism  24 , a second recliner mechanism  26 , a cross member  28 , and a hand lever or release lever  29 . 
     The first and second recliner mechanisms  24 ,  26  may be operable in a locked state preventing relative rotation between the seatback  14  and the seat bottom  16  and an unlocked state permitting relative rotation between the seatback  14  and the seat bottom  16  among an upright position ( FIG. 1 ), a rearward reclined position (not shown) and a forward dump position (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first recliner mechanism  24  may include a first bracket  30 , a second bracket  32 , a recliner heart (or locking mechanism)  34 , an outer coil spring  36 , an inner coil spring  38 , and a hub  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first bracket  30  may include a generally round main body  42  and a pair of mounting lobes  43  that extend outward from the main body  42 . The main body  42  may include a central aperture  44  and a tab  45 . The mounting lobes  43  may include a plurality of apertures  46  through which fasteners (not shown) may extend to securely attach the first bracket  30  to the seat bottom frame  20  of the seat assembly  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second bracket  32  may be generally rectangular and may include a plurality of apertures  48 , and a central aperture  49  through which the cross member  28  extends. Fasteners (not shown) may extend through the plurality of apertures  48  to securely attach the second bracket  32  to the seatback frame  18  of the seat assembly  12 . 
     The recliner heart  34  may be mounted to the first and second brackets  30 ,  32  and may include a guide plate or first plate  50 , a ratchet plate or second plate  51 , a cam  52 , a plurality of pawls  54 , a connector disk  56 , a plurality of coil springs  58 , a control ring  60 , and an encapsulation ring  64 . The recliner heart  34  may be operable to lock the first recliner mechanism  24 , thus preventing relative rotation between the seatback  14  and the seat bottom  16 , and to also unlock the first recliner mechanism  24 , thus permitting relative rotation between the seatback  14  and the seat bottom  16 . 
     The guide plate  50  may be rotationally fixed relative to the seat bottom  16  and may be attached (e.g., laser welded) to the first bracket  30  and the encapsulation ring  64 . The guide plate  50  may be a generally circular shape and may include a plate surface  66  and a rim  68 . The plate surface  66  may include an aperture  69  ( FIG. 3 ), a plurality of first protrusions  70  ( FIGS. 3-5 ) and a plurality of second protrusions  72  ( FIG. 3 ). As shown in  FIG. 3 , the aperture  69  may extend through a center portion of the plate surface  66 . The triangular-shape first protrusions  70  may be disposed radially around the aperture  69  and may extend from the plate surface  66 , thereby defining first recesses  73  ( FIG. 6 ). Each first recess  73  may be disposed between two of the plurality of first protrusions  70  ( FIG. 6 ). The second protrusions  72  may extend from the plate surface  66  opposite the direction of the first protrusions  70 , thereby forming second recesses (not shown). The first recesses  73  and the second recesses (not shown) are adjacent to each other. The rim  68  may extend 360 degrees around a periphery of the plate surface  66  and may be attached (e.g., laser welded) to the first bracket  30  and the encapsulation ring  64 . 
     The ratchet plate  51  may be rotationally fixed to the seatback  14  and may include a plate surface  78  and a rim  80 . The plate surface  78  may include an aperture  82  extending through a center portion thereof and a plurality of projections  84  extending from the plate surface  78  opposite the direction of the rim  80 . The plurality of projections  84  may be received in corresponding grooves of the second bracket  32  once the recliner heart  34  is mounted to the second bracket  32 . The rim  80  may extend 360 degrees around a periphery of the plate surface  78  and may include an inner surface having teeth  88 . The teeth  88  may extend 360 degrees around the inner surface of the rim  80 . 
     Each pawl  54  may be slidably mounted in a corresponding first recess  73  of the guide plate  50  between a secure position ( FIG. 5 ) in which the pawl  54  is engaged with a portion of the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51  and a release position ( FIG. 4 ) in which the pawl  54  is disengaged from the portion of the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 . Each pawl  54  may include teeth  90  and a latch  92  at an end opposite the teeth  90 . The teeth  90  may be disposed at an edge  94  of the pawl  54  and may be adapted for meshing engagement with a portion of the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51  when the pawl  54  is in the secure position. The edge  94  may include a generally arcuate shape to improve engagement between the pawl  54  and the portion of the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 . 
     Each pawl  54  may also include a first pair of rectangular-shaped slots  98  formed in opposing lateral sides  99  thereof and a second pair of rectangular-shaped slots  100  formed in opposing lateral sides  99  thereof. The first pair of slots  98  may be located near the teeth  90  of the pawl  54  and the second pair of slots  100  may be located near the latch  92  of the pawl  54 . A plurality of walls  102  (comprising a first wall  102   a,  a second wall  102   b  and a third wall  102   c ) may cooperate to define each slot  98  of the first pair of slots  98  and a plurality of walls  103  (comprising a first wall  103   a,  a second wall  103   b  and a third wall  103   c ) may cooperate to define each slot  100  of the second pair of slots  100 . It should be understood that the first and second pair of slots  98 ,  100  may be of any suitable shape or configuration (e.g., slots having one or more curved walls, straight walls, or a combination of straight and curved walls). It should also be understood that the pawls  54  may have any number of pairs of slots formed in opposing lateral sides  99  thereof (e.g., the pawls  54  may have one or more pairs of slots formed in opposing lateral sides thereof). It should also be understood that the pawls  54  may have one or more slots formed in only one lateral side thereof. 
     Each lateral side  99  of the pawl  54  faces a lateral side  104  of a respective first protrusion  70  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). In this way, material from the first protrusions  70  is allowed to move into at least one slot  98  of the first pair of slots  98  and/or at least one slot  100  of the second pair of slots  100  upon an impact event (e.g., vehicle accident). This, in turn, fixes the pawls  54  in the first recesses  73  and maintain the pawls  54  engagement with the ratchet plate  51  (i.e., the teeth  90  of the pawls  54  maintain engagement with the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 ) such that the seatback  14  does not move during the impact event. 
     The cam  52  may be a generally round disk having an aperture  106  and a plurality of radial latch protrusions  108  arranged around the aperture  106 . The cam  52  is rotatable relative to the pawls  54  and the ratchet plate  51  such that the latch protrusions  108  can selectively engage the latches  92  of the pawls  54  to move the pawls  54  out of engagement with the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51  (i.e., into the release state). 
     The connector disk  56  is engaged with the cam  52  and the hub  40 . The connector disk  56  may include a disk portion  110  and an extrusion  112  extending perpendicularly from the disk portion  110 . The disk portion  110  may have a plurality of flanges  114  extending therefrom. Each flange  114  is engaged with a corresponding one of the coil springs  58  disposed in the second recess (not shown). Because each flange  114  is engaged to the corresponding spring  58 , the connector disk  56  rotationally biases the cam  52  in a manner that causes the latch protrusions  108  to force the pawls  54  radially outwardly into the secure position, whereby the teeth  90  of the pawls  54  engage the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 . 
     The extrusion  112  of the connector disk  56  is engaged with the hub  40  and the cam  52  such that rotation of the hub  40  (which is caused by rotation of the hand lever  29 ) causes rotation of the cam  52  to move the pawls  54  radially into and out of engagement with the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 . 
     The outer coil spring  36  may exert a torsional force that biases the first recliner mechanism  24  toward a locked state. The outer coil spring  36  may wrap around the hub  40  and engage the first bracket  30  and the hand lever  29 . The inner coil spring  38  may extend around the cross member  28  and may engage the first and second brackets  30 ,  32  to rotationally bias the seatback  14  toward the upright position relative to the seat bottom  16 . 
     The hub  40  may extend through the length of the recliner heart  34  and may include a first end  116  and a second end  118 . The first end  116  may engage the hand lever  29  such that the hub  40  and the hand lever  29  are rotationally fixed to each other. A fastener  120  (e.g., a screw; shown in  FIG. 3 ) may extend through the hand lever  29  and threadably engage the first end  116  of the hub  40 . The second end  118  may include an aperture (not shown) that receives an end of the cross member  28  such that the cross member  28  and the hub  40  are rotationally fixed relative to each other. To enable the seatback  14  to pivot relative to the seat bottom  16 , a user may pivot the hand lever  29  in a clockwise direction thus rotating the hub  40  (and consequently the cross member  28 ). Accordingly, clockwise rotation of the cross member  28  causes the cam  52  to similarly rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the plurality of pawls  54 , overcoming a counterclockwise rotational bias of the outer coil spring  36 . 
     The structure and function of the second recliner mechanism  26  may be similar or identical to that of the first recliner mechanism  24 , and therefore, will not be described again in detail. 
     The cross member  28  may be a generally rectangular (e.g., square) or generally circular profile and may extend in a cross-vehicle direction. The cross member  28  may connect the first recliner mechanism  24  to the second recliner mechanism  26 , and may transmit rotational motion of the first recliner mechanism  24  to the second recliner mechanism  26  to move the second recliner mechanism  26  between the locked and unlocked states simultaneously with motion of the first recliner mechanism  24  between the locked and unlocked states. That is, the cross member  28  transmits torque from the hand lever  29  to the second recliner mechanism  26 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the hand lever  29  may include a hub portion  122  and a handle portion  124 . The hub portion  122  may include a recess  126 . The recess  126  may include an aperture  128  ( FIG. 3 ) through which the fastener  120  extends. The handle portion  124  may extend outward from the hub portion  122  and may be shaped to provide a comfortable gripping surface that a user can grip to actuate the hand lever  29 . The hand lever  29  may be securely attached to the first end  116  of the hub  40 , so that a rotational movement of the hand lever  29  causes the hub  40  (and consequently the cross member  28 ) to rotate. This rotational movement may function to lock and unlock the seat recliner mechanisms  24 ,  26  to selectively prevent and allow rotational motion of the seatback  14  relative to the seat bottom  16 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , operation of the recliner assembly  10  will be described in detail. When a vehicle impact event occurs (e.g., a vehicle accident) that exerts a force to the seatback  14  in a counter-clockwise (or clockwise) direction, the pawls  54  may exert this same force to the lateral sides  104  of the first protrusions  70 . This force on the lateral sides  104  of the first protrusions  70  causes deformation of the first protrusions  70 . During such deformation, portions of the first protrusions  70  are allowed to move into at least one of the slots  98  and at least one of the slots  100 . The material of the first protrusions  70  that are received within the at least one of the slots  98  and the at least one of the slots  100  fixes the pawls  54  in the first recesses  73  and maintain the pawls  54  engagement with the ratchet plate  51  (i.e., the teeth  90  of the pawls  54  maintain engagement with the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 ) such that the seatback  14  does not move during the impact event. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , another pawl  254  is provided. A plurality of pawls  254  may be incorporated into the recliner heart  34  described above instead of pawls  54 . The structure and function of the pawl  254  may be similar or identical to that of the pawls  54  described above, apart from any exceptions noted below. 
     The pawl  254  may be slidably mounted in a corresponding first recess  73  of the guide plate  50  between a secure position in which the pawl  254  is engaged with a portion of the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51  and a release position in which the pawl  254  is disengaged from the portion of the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 . The pawl  254  may include teeth  290  and a latch (not shown; similar or identical to latch  92 ) at an end opposite the teeth  290 . The teeth  290  may be disposed at an edge  294  of the pawl  254  and may be adapted for meshing engagement with a portion of the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51  when the pawl  254  is in the secure position. The edge  294  may include a generally arcuate shape to improve engagement between the pawl  254  and the portion of the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 . 
     The pawl  254  may also include a first pair of slots  298  formed in opposing lateral sides  299  thereof (only one slot  298  of the first pair of slots  298  is shown in  FIG. 8 ) and a second pair of slots  300  formed in opposing lateral sides  299  thereof (only one slot  300  of the second pair of slots  300  is shown in  FIG. 8 ). The first pair of slots  298  may be located near the teeth  290  of the pawl  254  and the second pair of slots  300  may be located near the latch (not shown) of the pawl  254 . A plurality of walls  302  (comprising a first wall  302   a,  a second wall  302   b  and a third wall  302   c ) may cooperate to define each slot  298  of the first pair of slots  298  and a plurality of walls  303  (comprising a first wall  303   a,  a second wall  303   b  and a third wall  303   c ) may cooperate to define each slot  300  of the second pair of slots  300 . The first wall  302   a  of the walls  302  and the first wall  303   a  of walls  303  may be angled (i.e. non-perpendicular angle) relative to the lateral sides  104  of the first protrusions  70 . 
     Each lateral side  299  of the pawl  254  faces a lateral side  104  of a respective first protrusion  70 . In this way, when a vehicle impact event occurs (e.g., a vehicle accident) that exerts a force to the seatback  14  in a counter-clockwise (or clockwise) direction, the pawl  254  may exert this same force to the lateral sides  104  of the first protrusions. This force on the lateral sides  104  of the first protrusions  70  causes the deformation of the first protrusions  70 . During search deformation, portions of the first protrusions  70  are allowed to move into at least one of the slots  298  and at least one of the slots  300 . The material of the first protrusions  70  that are received within the at least one of the slots  298  and the at least one of the slots  300  fixes the pawl  254  in the first recess  73  and maintains the pawl  254  engagement with the ratchet plate  51  (i.e., the teeth  290  of the pawl  254  maintains engagement with the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 ) such that the seatback  14  does not move during the impact event. The material from the first protrusions  70  may contact the angled first walls  302   a,    303   a  such that the pawl  254  is forced radially outwardly into further engagement with the teeth  88  of the ratchet plate  51 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , another pawl  454  is provided. A plurality of pawls  454  may be incorporated into the recliner heart  34  described above instead of pawls  54 ,  254 . The structure and function of the pawl  454  may be similar or identical to that of the pawls  54 ,  254  described above, apart from any exceptions noted below. The pawl  454  may include a plurality of pairs of slots  456  (comprising the pairs of slots  456   a,    456   b,    456   c,    456   d ) formed in opposing lateral sides  458  thereof. Each slot  456  of the plurality of pairs of slots  456  may include a plurality of walls  460 . One or more of the walls  460  may be angled (i.e. non-perpendicular angle) relative to the lateral side  458  of the pawl  454 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10-12 , another recliner assembly  1010  is provided that may be incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly  1012  having a seatback  1014  and a seat bottom  1016 . The seatback  1014  and seat bottom  1016  may include a seatback frame  1018  and a seat bottom frame  1020  respectively. The seat assembly  1012  may be positioned in a vehicle  1022 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The recliner assembly  1010  may include a first recliner mechanism  1024 , a second recliner mechanism  1026 , a cross member  1028 , and a hand lever or release lever  1029 . 
     The first and second recliner mechanisms  1024 ,  1026  may be operable in a locked state preventing relative rotation between the seatback  1014  and the seat bottom  1016  and an unlocked state permitting relative rotation between the seatback  1014  and the seat bottom  1016  among an upright position ( FIG. 10 ), a rearward reclined position (not shown) and a forward dump position (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 12 , the first recliner mechanism  1024  may include a first bracket  1030 , a second bracket  1032 , a recliner heart (or locking mechanism)  1034 , an outer coil spring  1036 , an inner coil spring  1038 , and a hub  1040 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the first bracket  1030  may include a generally round main body  1042  and a pair of mounting lobes  1043  that extend outward from the main body  1042 . The main body  1042  may include a central aperture  1044  and a tab  1045 . The mounting lobes  1043  may include a plurality of apertures  1046  through which fasteners (not shown) may extend to securely attach the first bracket  1030  to the seat bottom frame  1020  of the seat assembly  1012 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the second bracket  1032  may be generally rectangular and may include a plurality of apertures  1048 , and a central aperture  1049  through which the cross member  1028  extends. Fasteners (not shown) may extend through the plurality of apertures  1048  to securely attach the second bracket  1032  to the seatback frame  1018  of the seat assembly  1012 . 
     The recliner heart  1034  may be mounted to the first and second brackets  1030 ,  1032  and may include a guide plate or first plate  1050 , a ratchet plate or second plate  1051 , a cam  1052 , a plurality of pawls  1054 , a connector disk  1056 , a plurality of coil springs  1058 , a control ring  1060 , and an encapsulation ring  1064 . The recliner heart  1034  may be operable to lock the first recliner mechanism  1024 , thus preventing relative rotation between the seatback  1014  and the seat bottom  1016 , and to also unlock the first recliner mechanism  1024 , thus permitting relative rotation between the seatback  1014  and the seat bottom  1016 . 
     The guide plate  1050  may be rotationally fixed relative to the seat bottom  1016  and may be attached (e.g., laser welded) to the first bracket  1030  and the encapsulation ring  1064 . The guide plate  1050  may be a generally circular shape and may include a plate surface  1066  and a rim  1068 . The plate surface  1066  may include an aperture  1069  ( FIG. 12 ), a plurality of first protrusions  1070  ( FIGS. 12-14 ) and a plurality of second protrusions  1072  ( FIG. 12 ). As shown in  FIG. 12 , the aperture  1069  may extend through a center portion of the plate surface  1066 . The triangular-shape first protrusions  1070  may be disposed radially around the aperture  1069  and may extend from the plate surface  1066 , thereby defining first recesses  1073  ( FIG. 15 ). Each first recess  1073  may be disposed between two of the plurality of first protrusions  1070  ( FIG. 15 ). The second protrusions  1072  may extend from the plate surface  1066  opposite the direction of the first protrusions  1070 , thereby forming second recesses (not shown). The first recesses  1073  and the second recesses (not shown) are adjacent to each other. The rim  1068  may extend 360 degrees around a periphery of the plate surface  1066  and may be attached (e.g., laser welded) to the first bracket  1030  and the encapsulation ring  1064 . 
     The ratchet plate  1051  may be rotationally fixed to the seatback  1014  and may include a plate surface  1078  and a rim  1080 . The plate surface  1078  may include an aperture  1082  extending through a center portion thereof and a plurality of projections  1084  extending from the plate surface  1078  opposite the direction of the rim  1080 . The plurality of projections  1084  may be received in corresponding grooves of the second bracket  1032  once the recliner heart  1034  is mounted to the second bracket  1032 . The rim  1080  may extend 360 degrees around a periphery of the plate surface  1078  and may include an inner surface having teeth  1088 . The teeth  1088  may extend 360 degrees around the inner surface of the rim  1080 . 
     Each pawl  1054  may be slidably mounted in a corresponding first recess  1073  of the guide plate  1050  between a secure position ( FIG. 14 ) in which the pawl  1054  is engaged with a portion of the teeth  1088  of the ratchet plate  1051  and a release position ( FIG. 13 ) in which the pawl  1054  is disengaged from the portion of the teeth  1088  of the ratchet plate  1051 . Each pawl  1054  may include teeth  1090  and a latch  1092  at an end opposite the teeth  1090 . The teeth  1090  may be disposed at an edge  1094  of the pawl  1054  and may be adapted for meshing engagement with a portion of the teeth  1088  of the ratchet plate  1051  when the pawl  1054  is in the secure position. The edge  1094  may include a generally arcuate shape to improve engagement between the pawl  1054  and the portion of the teeth  1088  of the ratchet plate  1051 . 
     Each pawl  1054  may also include first rectangular-shaped slots  1098  formed in opposing lateral sides  1099  thereof and second rectangular-shaped slots  1100  formed in opposing lateral sides  1099  thereof. The first slots  1098  may be located near the teeth  1090  of the pawl  1054  and the second slots  1100  may be located near the latch  1092  of the pawl  1054 . Each of the first slots  1098  may be defined by a plurality of walls  1102  (comprising a first wall  1102   a,  a second wall  1102   b  and a third wall  1102   c ). Each of the second slots  1100  may be defined by a plurality of walls  1103  (comprising a first wall  1103   a,  a second wall  1103   b  and a third wall  1103   c ). It should be understood that the first and second slots  1098 ,  1100  may be of any suitable shape or configuration (e.g., slots having one or more curved walls, straight walls, or a combination of straight and curved walls). It should also be understood that the pawls  1054  may have any number of slots formed in opposing lateral sides  1099  thereof (e.g., the pawls  1054  may have one or more slots formed in opposing lateral sides thereof). It should also be understood that the pawls  1054  may have one or more slots formed in only one lateral side thereof. 
     Each lateral side  1099  of the pawl  1054  faces a lateral side  1104  of a respective first protrusion  1070  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ). As shown in  FIG. 16 , a clearance gap  1105  may exist between each lateral side  1099  of the pawl  1054  and the lateral side  1104  of the respective first protrusion  1070  that the lateral side  1099  is facing. In this way, each pawl  1054  may be easily movable between the secure position and the release position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , a compression member  1107  (e.g., the compression member  1107  may be a ball or sphere, cylinder, spheroid, rectangular prism, or any other shape) may be force-fitted into each of the first and second slots  1098 ,  1100  so that the compression members  1107  are under compression within each of the slots  1098 ,  1100 . Each compression member  1107  may be made of a polymeric or rubber material, for example. The compression member  1107  in each of the slots  1098  may be in contact with the lateral side  1104  of a respective first protrusion  1070  and with the third wall  1102   c  of the slot  1098 . Similarly, the compression member  1107  in each of the slots  1100  may also be in contact with the lateral side  1104  of a respective first protrusion  1070  and with the third wall  1103   c  of the slot  1100 . In some configurations, a plurality of the compression members  1107  may be force-fitted into each slot  1098 ,  1100 . 
     The cam  1052  may be a generally round disk having an aperture  1106  and a plurality of radial latch protrusions  1108  arranged around the aperture  1106 . The cam  1052  is rotatable relative to the pawls  1054  and the ratchet plate  1051  such that the latch protrusions  1108  can selectively engage the latches  1092  of the pawls  1054  to move the pawls  1054  out of engagement with the teeth  1088  of the ratchet plate  1051  (i.e., into the release state). 
     The connector disk  1056  is engaged with the cam  1052  and the hub  1040 . The connector disk  1056  may include a disk portion  1110  and an extrusion  1112  extending perpendicularly from the disk portion  1110 . The disk portion  1110  may have a plurality of flanges  1114  extending therefrom. Each flange  1114  is engaged with a corresponding one of the coil springs  1058  disposed in the second recess (not shown). Because each flange  1114  is engaged to the corresponding spring  1058 , the connector disk  1056  rotationally biases the cam  1052  in a manner that causes the latch protrusions  1108  to force the pawls  1054  radially outwardly into the secure position, whereby the teeth  1090  of the pawls  1054  engage the teeth  1088  of the ratchet plate  1051 . 
     The extrusion  1112  of the connector disk  1056  is engaged with the hub  1040  and the cam  1052  such that rotation of the hub  1040  (which is caused by rotation of the hand lever  1029 ) causes rotation of the cam  1052  to move the pawls  1054  radially into and out of engagement with the teeth  1088  of the ratchet plate  1051 . 
     The outer coil spring  1036  may exert a torsional force that biases the first recliner mechanism  1024  toward a locked state. The outer coil spring  1036  may wrap around the hub  1040  and engage the first bracket  1030  and the hand lever  1029 . The inner coil spring  1038  may extend around the cross member  1028  and may engage the first and second brackets  1030 ,  1032  to rotationally bias the seatback  1014  toward the upright position relative to the seat bottom  1016 . 
     The hub  1040  may extend through the length of the recliner heart  1034  and may include a first end  1116  and a second end  1118 . The first end  1116  may engage the hand lever  1029  such that the hub  1040  and the hand lever  1029  are rotationally fixed to each other. A fastener  1120  (e.g., a screw; shown in  FIG. 12 ) may extend through the hand lever  1029  and threadably engage the first end  1116  of the hub  1040 . The second end  1118  may include an aperture (not shown) that receives an end of the cross member  1028  such that the cross member  1028  and the hub  1040  are rotationally fixed relative to each other. To enable the seatback  1014  to pivot relative to the seat bottom  1016 , a user may pivot the hand lever  1029  in a clockwise direction thus rotating the hub  1040  (and consequently the cross member  1028 ). Accordingly, clockwise rotation of the cross member  1028  causes the cam  1052  to similarly rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the plurality of pawls  1054 , overcoming a counterclockwise rotational bias of the outer coil spring  1036 . 
     The structure and function of the second recliner mechanism  1026  may be similar or identical to that of the first recliner mechanism  1024 , and therefore, will not be described again in detail. 
     The cross member  1028  may be a generally rectangular (e.g., square) or generally circular profile and may extend in a cross-vehicle direction. The cross member  1028  may connect the first recliner mechanism  1024  to the second recliner mechanism  1026 , and may transmit rotational motion of the first recliner mechanism  1024  to the second recliner mechanism  1026  to move the second recliner mechanism  1026  between the locked and unlocked states simultaneously with motion of the first recliner mechanism  1024  between the locked and unlocked states. That is, the cross member  1028  transmits torque from the hand lever  1029  to the second recliner mechanism  1026 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the hand lever  1029  may include a hub portion  1122  and a handle portion  1124 . The hub portion  1122  may include a recess  1126 . The recess  1126  may include an aperture  1128  ( FIG. 12 ) through which the fastener  1120  extends. The handle portion  1124  may extend outward from the hub portion  1122  and may be shaped to provide a comfortable gripping surface that a user can grip to actuate the hand lever  1029 . The hand lever  1029  may be securely attached to the first end  1116  of the hub  1040 , so that a rotational movement of the hand lever  1029  causes the hub  1040  (and consequently the cross member  1028 ) to rotate. This rotational movement may function to lock and unlock the seat recliner mechanisms  1024 ,  1026  to selectively prevent and allow rotational motion of the seatback  1014  relative to the seat bottom  1016 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 10-16 , operation of the recliner assembly  1010  will be described in detail. When a vehicle is traveling along a rough terrain, for example, the seat assembly  1012  may experience vibration, which, in turn, may cause the ratchet plate  1051  and the pawls  1054  to vibrate. The compression members  1107  force-fitted in the slots  1098 ,  1100  may dampen vibration of the ratchet plate  1051  and the pawls  1054 , which reduces noise (e.g., buzz-squeak-rattle (BSR)) of the recliner assembly  1010 . 
     The compression member  1107  under compression in each of the slots  1098  may be in contact with the lateral side  1104  of a respective first protrusion  1070  and with the third wall  1102   c  of the slot  1098 . The compression member  1107  under compression in each of the slots  1100  may be in contact with the lateral side  1104  of a respective first protrusion  1070  and with the third wall  1103   c  of the slot  1100 . In this way, the compression member  1107  in each of the slots  1098 ,  1100  takes up clearance between the pawls  1054  and respective first protrusions  1070 , which reduces chucking (i.e., movement or free play between the pawls  1054  and the ratchet plate  1051  when the pawls  1054  are in the secure position). Reducing chucking between the pawls  1054  and the ratchet plate  1051  restricts movement of the seatback  1014  relative to the seat bottom  1016  when the recliner heart  1034  is in the locked position. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.