Catcher Pin for Dynamic Load Management in Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs fail to effectively manage external loads during impact conditions, as they rely primarily on fasteners that may not provide sufficient structural resistance to moment and torque-type forces, potentially leading to excessive deflection and discomfort for occupants.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a catcher pin with a vertically offset head that engages the seat frame during impact, supplementing the fasteners to maintain engagement between the seat frame and the vehicle frame, thereby defining a dynamic structure condition that absorbs and distributes external forces more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are used to attach the seat frame to the vehicle frame, then the seat can be securely mounted, but the structural resistance to moment and torque-type forces during impact conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two functional components: fasteners for secure mounting and a catcher pin for impact force resistance. The catcher pin is positioned separately from the fasteners, allowing each component to specialize in its specific function - fasteners provide static attachment while the catcher pin provides dynamic impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The catcher pin is designed with vertical offset from the seat frame in static conditions, creating a gap that allows the seat frame to deflect upward during impact. This dynamic deflection enables the catcher pin to engage with the vehicle frame, converting static attachment into dynamic impact resistance.
2Strength
If the catcher pin head is positioned close to the seat frame, then structural support is provided, but the seat frame cannot deflect upward during impact to absorb forces
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher pin head is pre-positioned with a vertical offset from the seat frame, creating a predetermined gap. This preliminary positioning allows the seat frame to deflect upward by a specific distance during impact before the catcher pin engages, enabling controlled energy absorption while maintaining structural support.
3Ease of repair
If the catcher pin is made accessible for maintenance, then ease of service is improved, but the structural integrity and impact force management are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A slot is introduced as an intermediary element between the catcher pin and the external environment. The slot allows the catcher pin to engage with and support the seat frame structurally while preventing direct access to the pin itself, thus maintaining structural integrity while enabling indirect monitoring and serviceability.
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 catcher pin system enhances the structural resistance of the seat frame, minimizing deflection and absorbing impact forces, thereby reducing the transfer of external loads to the occupant and improving the overall safety and comfort of the seating assembly.
Implementation Method 1
During an impact condition, the seat frame deflects upward and engages the head of the catcher pin
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame rail having a rear catcher pin. A seat frame slidably engages the rear catcher pin at a lateral support. A head of the catcher pin is vertically offset from the seat frame in a static condition. During an impact condition, the seat frame deflects upward and engages the head of the catcher pin to define a dynamic structure condition.