Ceiling-Mounted Blast Energy Absorption Seat with Foldable Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy absorption seats in vehicles, particularly those designed for blast protection, face challenges such as inadequate energy absorption due to mechanical springs' rebound energy, difficulty in selecting suitable deformable solids for shock attenuation and daily usage, limited accessibility when mounted on the ceiling, and excessive weight, which hinders efficient military operations.

Innovation Solution

An energy absorption device comprising pillars mountable to a vehicle's ceiling with a deformable material that permanently deforms to absorb blast energy, a lightweight fabric seat assembly, and elastic straps for additional attenuation, allowing for quick release and folding to access payloads, while minimizing weight and vibration transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical springs are used for energy absorption, then repeatability in damping properties is achieved, but rebound energy is generated reducing blast energy absorption effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeatability in damping propertiesVSAvoidrebound energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sacrificial foam blocks that are designed to be consumed during blast events. These foam energy absorbers are replaced after each use, ensuring optimal performance without the rebound issues of mechanical springs. The disposable nature of these components eliminates the harmful rebound effect while maintaining reliable energy absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Loss of energy

If deformable solids are made soft for shock attenuation, then blast energy absorption is improved, but rigidity is reduced causing premature deformation during daily handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblast energy absorptionVSAvoidrigidity for daily handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a hybrid energy absorption system where foam blocks provide soft shock attenuation for blast events, while a separate rigid frame structure provides strength for daily handling. This local differentiation of material properties allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The energy absorption seat combines foam material (for soft shock attenuation) with rigid structural elements (for strength and rigidity). This composite approach integrates materials with different properties to simultaneously achieve both blast energy absorption and resistance to premature deformation during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If EA seats are mounted on the ceiling for better blast mitigation, then shock transmission is reduced, but accessibility to payload behind seats is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock transmissionVSAvoidaccessibility to payload

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the seat backrest with foldable capabilities, allowing it to transition between an upright position (providing blast protection and defining payload space) and a folded position (enabling access to payload). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between maintaining ceiling-mounted protection and enabling operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively absorbs blast energy without rebound, provides rapid access to payloads, and reduces weight, enhancing both energy absorption and operational efficiency in military contexts.

Implementation Method 1

the deformable material is adapted to permanently deform when a blast energy is directed towards the ceiling thereby attenuating the blast energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

elastic straps for additional attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10480908B2Energy absorption system and device

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 ST ENGINEERING LAND SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

There is disclosed an energy absorption device comprising a plurality of pillars mountable to a ceiling of a hull, each pillar having a fixed portion and a movable portion, the movable portion slidable relative to the fixed portion; a deformable material disposed between the fixed portion and movable portion such that the deformable material resist the sliding movement of the movable portion in one direction; the deformable material further adapted to permanently deform when a blast energy is directed towards the ceiling; and a seat assembly attached to the movable portion, the seat assembly adapted for an occupant.