Child Seat Side Impact Locking With Force-Absorbing Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing child seat side impact protection devices are cumbersome to mount and do not effectively reduce impact forces transferred to the child seat.

Innovation Solution

A child seat with a receiving portion configured to couple to a side impact protection device in a positive mechanical locking manner, featuring a locking mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment without movable parts, and a force absorbing portion that deforms to distribute and absorb impact forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a side impact protection device is added to a child seat, then impact force reduction is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact force reductionVSAvoidmounting convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side impact protection device is divided into separate components: a receiving portion integrated into the child seat and a detachable protection device portion. This segmentation allows the protection device to be easily attached and removed without complex mounting procedures, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the side impact protection device to the receiving portion upon insertion, without requiring manual operation or complex adjustment. The device self-secures through the automatic locking mechanism, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable impact protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the side impact protection device, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate, integrated component within the receiving portion of the child seat, rather than being part of the side impact protection device itself. This extraction simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the dedicated locking mechanism in the receiving portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler automatic locking system that secures the side impact protection device through a straightforward insertion and lock engagement, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a simplified and effective side impact protection system that securely attaches to the child seat, absorbs and distributes impact forces, and enhances safety by reducing the complexity of the device's construction.

Implementation Method 1

a force absorbing portion configured to receive an impact force and to deform under load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4640483A1Child seat and side impact protection device for a child seat
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 THULE SWEDEN AB
  • EP4640483A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4640483A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4640483A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a child seat for a motor vehicle. The child seat comprises a receiving portion configured to couple to a side impact protection device. Furthermore, the child seat comprises a locking mechanism transferable between a first configuration in which the locking mechanism blocks a detachment of a side impact protection device inserted in or on the receiving portion, and a second configuration in which the side impact protection device can be disengaged from the receiving portion. Further disclosed is a side impact protection device.