Adaptive Vehicle Seat Energy Absorber for Dynamic Load Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat suspension systems are passive and unable to adapt energy absorption or stroking profiles based on occupant weight or real-time environmental conditions, such as vibration or shock loads, leading to inadequate protection for a wide range of occupants during extreme vehicle movements.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive energy absorption system incorporating a variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) with sensors and a controller that adjusts energy absorption in real-time based on occupant weight, attitude, and environmental stimuli, including the use of a stiffness element for vibration isolation, to maintain body loads within safe limits during both normal operation and extreme events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-load energy absorbers are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to different occupant weights or environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber transitions from a fixed, passive structure to a dynamic, active system that can adjust its energy absorption characteristics in real-time. The controller modulates the energy absorption profile based on sensor feedback regarding occupant weight, attitude, and environmental conditions, enabling the system to adapt its behavior dynamically rather than maintaining a constant configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor occupant weight, attitude, and environmental conditions, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the energy absorption characteristics accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that enables adaptability to varying conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable load energy absorbers with manual adjustment are used, then the system can accommodate different occupant weights, but it requires manual intervention and cannot respond to real-time environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for manual adjustment by implementing self-service functionality. Sensors automatically detect occupant weight, attitude, and environmental conditions, and the controller autonomously adjusts the energy absorption characteristics without requiring any manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and adapting to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment mechanism is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors and electronic control to adjust energy absorption characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical intervention while enabling real-time response to environmental changes.
3Reliability
If passive energy absorbers are used, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot optimize energy absorption for different shock levels or vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in vibration isolation mode during normal operation and switch to shock mitigation mode during extreme events. The same basic structure handles both vibration and shock conditions, with the controller adjusting the energy absorption characteristics to optimize performance for the current condition, eliminating the need for separate systems for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters dynamically based on detected conditions. The controller adjusts energy absorption parameters such as damping coefficient, stiffness, or force characteristics in response to varying shock levels and vibration conditions, enabling the system to optimize protection effectiveness across a wide range of operating conditions rather than maintaining fixed parameters.
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 adaptive system effectively mitigates occupant injuries by optimizing energy absorption and vibration isolation across a range of occupant weights and shock levels, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue during normal operation while ensuring safety during extreme events.
Implementation Method 1
an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA)
Implementation Method 2
the use of a stiffness element for vibration isolation
Implementation Method 3
Energy absorbers, also known as energy attenuators or load limiters, are a key component of crashworthy seat designs
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.