Vehicle Crashworthy Seat With Segmented Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-crushing vehicle seats, such as those for rotorcraft, require frequent and costly replacements of components after a crash, due to the separation of guide and absorption means, leading to high maintenance and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An anti-crushing seat design featuring a separate energy-absorbing element with plastic deformation capabilities, secured by support means and controlled by a backrest-mounted control mechanism, which absorbs kinetic energy during crashes, allowing for the reuse of the seat after deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the guide means and absorption means are integrated as in EP 0 814 020, then the structure is simpler, but the cost of replacement after crash is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the support structure into separate functional components: guide means (vertical support elements with slots) and absorption means (energy-absorbing bars with deformation zones). This segmentation allows the absorption means to be replaced independently after a crash without replacing the guide means, reducing replacement costs while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of repair
If the guide means and absorption means are separated as in EP 0 078 479, then the replacement cost is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases due to tight tolerances and complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the system into guide means and absorption means that are functionally separate but mechanically integrated through the control means. The absorption bars are retained within the vertical support elements, eliminating the need for complete disassembly during replacement while maintaining the benefits of separate replacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption bars are nested within the vertical support elements, with the bars positioned inside the support structure. This nesting allows the absorption means to be replaced independently while maintaining a compact integrated structure, reducing manufacturing complexity and eliminating the need for complete disassembly.
3Reliability
If tight manufacturing tolerances are used in EP 0 078 479, then the precision and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different quality requirements to different parts: the guide means (vertical support elements with slots) maintains high precision for reliable guidance, while the absorption means (bars with deformation zones) uses more tolerant manufacturing since its function relies on controlled deformation rather than precise fit. This local differentiation of quality requirements reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining necessary 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 effectively reduces deceleration forces on occupants during crashes, with the energy-absorbing element being easily replaceable, significantly lowering maintenance and manufacturing costs while maintaining high resistance and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an energy-absorbing element with plastic deformation capabilities, which absorbs kinetic energy during crashes
Implementation Method 2
the means for absorption cooperating with the control means and the support means for absorbing the kinetic energy of the seat in order to control the deceleration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle crashproof seat (100) comprising a bucket seat (110) and a fitting (120) for connecting said bucket seat to a floor (S) of said vehicle. This seat includes a translational guidance means (130) for the bucket seat and a dissociated energy absorption means (140), each cooperating with a control means (113) integral with said seat backrest. Said guidance means (130) cooperates with said control means (113) to guide the translational movement of said bucket seat (110) in a predetermined direction during a crash. Said energy absorption means (140) cooperates with said control means (110) to absorb the kinetic energy of the seat (100) in order to control the deceleration to which said individual is subjected.