Deformable Wire Frame Pad Carrier for Vehicle Seat Crash Energy Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seats transmit forces directly to seat anchorings during a crash, leading to potential detachment of the seat cushion from its anchoring, especially in frontal collisions, which poses a risk during accidents.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a deformable wire frame pad carrier and an energy-absorbing seat cushion structure connected to a force-introducing element, such as a metal or plastic plate, that absorbs impact energy by deforming uniformly, reducing the forces transmitted to the anchorings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vehicle seats transmit forces directly to seat anchorings during a crash, then the seat structure remains simple and rigid, but the seat cushion can be torn from its anchoring under high impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an energy-absorbing seat cushion structure with a deformable wire frame that is pre-configured to deform in a predefined manner during crashes. This structure absorbs impact energy through controlled deformation before the forces reach the seat anchorings, thereby cushioning the anchoring points in advance and preventing detachment under high impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire frame structure is designed to change its mechanical parameters dynamically during a crash. The deformable wire frame transitions from a rigid load-transmitting structure to a controlled deformation structure, changing its stiffness and force transmission characteristics based on the impact conditions, thereby reducing peak forces on anchorings.
2Reliability
If a deformable seat cushion structure is introduced to absorb impact energy, then crash behavior is improved and forces on anchorings are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a wire frame structure that functions as a flexible deformable element. The wire frame is designed to deform in a controlled manner during crashes, providing energy absorption through its flexibility rather than through complex mechanical systems. This approach achieves crash energy management using a relatively simple flexible structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable wire frame acts as an intermediary element between the seat cushion and the seat anchorings. It mediates the force transmission by absorbing and dissipating impact energy through its deformation, thereby protecting the anchorings from direct high-force loading without requiring complex active control systems.
3Loss of energy
If the wire frame is designed to deform in a predefined manner, then impact energy is effectively absorbed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wire frame is designed with dynamic deformation characteristics that allow it to adapt its deformation pattern based on the impact conditions. Rather than requiring extremely precise manufacturing to achieve a single fixed deformation path, the structure is engineered to deform in a predefined manner that can accommodate reasonable manufacturing tolerances while still achieving effective energy absorption.
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 deformable seat cushion structure effectively reduces the risk of seat cushion failure by converting impact energy into deformation energy, thereby minimizing the forces exerted on the anchorings, enhancing crash behavior and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A seat cushion structure (3) is connected to the pad carrier (2) and absorbs energy by deformation in the event of high forces
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat has a pad carrier with a wire frame and a seat cushion that rests on the pad carrier. The seat cushion structure is connected to the pad carrier and absorbs energy by deformation in the event of high forces.