Deformable Core Seat Mounting Member for Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat mounting systems lack effective energy absorption capabilities, particularly in handling directional and cross-car forces, which can lead to inadequate safety and comfort during vehicle movements.
Innovation Solution
A seat mounting system featuring a seat frame with sidewalls and mounting members that include a deformable core portion surrounded by inner and outer layers, with mounting apertures that allow for energy absorption through deformation when subjected to forces, coupled to a base frame via fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid mounting structure is used to ensure structural strength, then strength is improved, but energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting member incorporates a deformable core portion that changes its mechanical properties under load. During normal operation, the mounting member maintains rigid structural strength, but when subjected to excessive forces, the core portion deforms to absorb energy, effectively changing the structural parameters from rigid to energy-absorbing state
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting member is constructed as a composite structure with an inner layer, outer layer, and deformable core portion. This composite design allows the outer layers to provide structural strength while the core portion provides energy absorption capability, resolving the contradiction between strength and energy absorption
2Loss of energy
If a deformable mounting member is used to absorb energy, then energy absorption capability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformability is localized specifically to the core portion of the mounting member, while the inner and outer layers maintain their structural integrity and stability. This local quality approach allows energy absorption through controlled deformation of the core without compromising the overall structural stability of the mounting member
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting structures are used to ensure ease of manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but safety under directional forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting member is segmented into distinct functional layers (inner layer, outer layer, and deformable core portion), each optimized for its specific function. This segmentation allows the core portion to be specifically designed for energy absorption under directional and cross-car forces while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction
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 system effectively absorbs energy from directional and cross-car forces, enhancing safety and comfort by providing a stable and adaptable connection between the seat frame and base frame.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting member includes a deformable core portion disposed between the inner and outer layers... The system effectively absorbs energy from directional and cross-car forces, enhancing safety and comfort by providing a stable and adaptable connection
Data Source
AI summary
A seat mounting system includes a seat frame having a support surface and first and second side surfaces downwardly extending from opposed sides of the support surface. Mounting members are supported on the first and second side surfaces. The mounting members each include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a deformable core portion disposed therebetween. The mounting members each include a mounting aperture extending through the deformable core portion, such that the deformable core portion surrounds the mounting aperture. A base frame includes a receiving aperture disposed through a body portion of the base frame. The base frame is operably coupled to the seat frame by a fastener received through the receiving aperture of the base frame and further received through the mounting aperture of the mounting member.