Composite Sheet Motor Vehicle Seat Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle seats with adjusting devices, particularly those using electric motors, generate noise due to inherent motor noise and structure-borne vibrations, which are a nuisance and compromise comfort.
Innovation Solution
The use of composite sheet metal in motor vehicle seats, featuring a viscoelastic plastic layer between rigid layers, converts vibration energy into heat, significantly damping vibrations and noise, while securing sound-emitting components with composite materials to minimize noise transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric motors and adjusting devices are used to provide multiple adjustment functions, then the adaptability and functionality of the seat are improved, but noise and vibrations are generated as harmful side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibration energy generated by electric motors and adjusting devices into heat energy through viscoelastic damping materials. The vibration energy that would normally propagate as noise is instead absorbed and transformed into thermal energy by the viscoelastic layer, effectively eliminating the harmful noise while preserving the beneficial adjustment functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sheet metal structures consisting of rigid metal layers combined with a viscoelastic plastic layer. This composite material configuration allows the rigid layers to provide structural strength and mounting capability for adjusting devices, while the viscoelastic layer simultaneously dampens vibrations and reduces noise transmission, resolving the contradiction between functionality and noise generation
2Strength
If rigid materials are used for structural components to ensure strength and stability, then the mechanical properties are improved, but vibration energy is transmitted more efficiently leading to increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces homogeneous rigid materials with composite sheet metal structures that combine rigid metal layers with a viscoelastic plastic layer. The rigid layers maintain the necessary structural strength and stability, while the viscoelastic layer interrupts the transmission path of vibration energy, converting it into heat and thereby reducing structure-borne noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the structural components. The rigid metal layers are positioned where structural strength is required, while the viscoelastic plastic layer is positioned specifically where vibration damping and noise reduction are needed, creating a localized functional differentiation within the composite structure
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 reduces inherent noise in motor vehicle seats by converting vibration energy into heat, thereby dampening structure-borne noise and enhancing the overall quietness of the seat during adjustments and movements.
Implementation Method 1
a soft layer such as a viscoelastic plastic material is interposed between two rigid layers
Implementation Method 2
By virtue of the inner friction of the viscoelastic plastic material, vibration energy is converted into heat
Implementation Method 3
it is also possible to use composite sheets for muffling the sound source, such as an electric motor, so that the sound waves are reflected and not delivered to the outside world
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat with an underframe, two side parts and one seat back that is connected to the side parts by a seat back hinge mounting. At least portions of the motor vehicle seat are made from a composite sheet.