Child Restraint Spring Damper Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current passenger transport systems in vehicles often compromise between safety and utility, lacking effective mechanisms to absorb and distribute impact forces during side and front collisions, particularly for child passengers, while also failing to accommodate the unique needs of different vehicle types and child sizes.

Innovation Solution

The development of a multi-tiered structure with concentric spring dampers and adjustable resistance systems, including a Bunge sling mechanism with a dial handle, that engages different numbers of spring dampers based on child size and vehicle characteristics, along with enhanced shock strips and air cushions, to provide customizable impact protection and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional passenger transport systems are used, then basic transportation function is provided, but safety during side and front collisions is compromised due to inability to absorb and distribute impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during impactVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple concentric spring dampers (first, second, and third spring dampers) arranged in nested configurations. Each spring damper is independently mounted to the frame and can engage separately, allowing the system to segment impact forces across multiple independent elements rather than relying on a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring dampers are arranged in a nested configuration where the first spring damper has a larger diameter than the second, which in turn is larger than the third. This nested arrangement allows multiple protective elements to be compactly integrated within the same spatial envelope, providing enhanced impact absorption without proportionally increasing overall structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed protection mechanisms are used, then basic safety is provided, but adaptability to different child sizes and vehicle characteristics is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different child sizesVSAvoidadjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a fixed protection mechanism to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The dial handle mechanism enables users to dynamically engage or disengage specific spring dampers based on the child's size and vehicle characteristics, making the protection level adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing of protective parameters by engaging different combinations of spring dampers. By rotating the dial handle, users can select which spring dampers are engaged, effectively changing the mechanical properties (stiffness, damping coefficient) of the protection system to match different occupancy scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple spring dampers are engaged for maximum protection, then peak acceleration is minimized, but device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak acceleration controlVSAvoidadjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dial handle mechanism provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the adjustment process. Instead of requiring manual engagement of multiple complex locking mechanisms, the single dial handle controls the engagement state of all spring dampers through a unified operation, making the system easier to adjust while maintaining the capability to engage multiple dampers for maximum protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dial handle serves multiple functions: it can engage or disengage individual spring dampers, provide visual feedback through index alignment, and maintain selected configurations. This multi-functional control element simplifies the overall adjustment process while enabling fine-grained control over which protective elements are active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enhances safety by minimizing peak acceleration and excursion distances during impacts, while also accommodating growth and varying vehicle crash characteristics, ensuring optimal protection and comfort for child passengers across different collision scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

concentric spring dampers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring damping: Spring

Implementation Method 2

absorb and distribute impact forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

air cushions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir cushioning: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11364822B1Vehicle occupant support

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 RAJASINGHAM ARJUNA INDRAESWARAN

AI summary

Child restraint system in a vehicle with features to support and ensconse the head and shoulders of an occupant during lateral impact to the vehicle.