Combat Vehicle Seat Rigid Base Foam Cushion Fatigue Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seats in combat vehicles, typically hammock-like arrangements, cause discomfort and numbness due to vascular, lymphatic, and neurologic compression, leading to reduced mobility and increased risk during prolonged operations.
Innovation Solution
A seat design featuring a rectangular rigid base with ribs, a combination of shock-absorbing and viscoelastic foam cushions, and a quick-release support assembly for secure attachment to the vehicle, utilizing hook and loop fasteners and adjustable belts for comfort and rapid egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hammock-like seats with supporting cords are used, then the seat structure is simple and lightweight, but the user experiences vascular compression, numbness, and reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the seat by transitioning from flexible cords to a rigid base structure with specific geometric configuration (flat bottom surface, vertical side surfaces) to alter the pressure distribution characteristics and eliminate vascular compression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite cushioning materials including foam layers and gel elements combined with the rigid base to provide both structural support and pressure distribution, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and physiological comfort
2Ease of manufacture
If existing hammock seats are used, then the seat is easy to install, but the user cannot quickly exit the vehicle in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a quick-release mechanism that allows the seat to be rapidly detached from mounting points, enabling fast egress while maintaining simple installation through the same modular attachment system
Solution Approach 2:
The seat is designed as a modular unit with separable components (base, cushions, release mechanism) that can be independently installed or removed, facilitating both easy installation and rapid emergency egress
3Duration of action of moving object
If prolonged sitting is endured, then operational continuity is maintained, but fatigue and physiologic degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the seat base (flat bottom surface area, vertical side surface height) to improve posture support and reduce muscle fatigue, enabling sustained operational duration while maintaining physical performance reliability
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 seat minimizes fatigue and physiologic degradation, enhancing operational endurance by reducing muscle compression and pressure on veins, while allowing quick and safe entry and exit from the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
first strips comprising a first portion of a hook and loop fastener, the first strips being attached to interior surfaces of the front and rear ribs; second strips comprising a second portion of a hook and loop fastener, the second strips being attached to a bottom surface of the cover and mating with the first strips
Implementation Method 2
The inner cushion may comprise foam and the outer cushion may comprise viscoelastic foam
Implementation Method 3
the outer cushion may comprise viscoelastic foam
Data Source
AI summary
A seat for a combat vehicle includes a generally rectangular rigid base including front and rear ribs disposed on opposite, longer sides of the base, the base including a pair of slot openings disposed adjacent opposite, shorter sides of the base; a generally rectangular inner cushion disposed on a top surface of the base; a generally U-shaped outer cushion disposed on a top surface of the inner cushion and along outer surfaces of the front and rear ribs; a cover disposed over the outer cushion; and a pair of support assemblies for supporting the seat in the vehicle.