Deployable Vehicle Seat Back Energy Absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active energy absorbers for vehicle seats are bulky and occupy valuable space, necessitating a compact design that can deploy effectively during impacts to cushion occupants.
Innovation Solution
A deployable energy absorber integrated into the seat back, utilizing a thermoplastic elastomer material and an inflator system that inflates upon impact sensing to cushion the occupant's knees, femur, head, and neck, maintaining an upright position and reducing forward movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional active energy absorbers are used, then impact protection is provided, but the device occupies excessive space within the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber is nested within the seat back structure, with the inflatable bag contained within a housing that is integrated into the seat back frame. This allows the energy absorber to occupy minimal space in its deflated state while providing full protection functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorber transitions from a compact, minimal-volume state to an expanded protective state dynamically in response to impact conditions. The inflatable bag remains deflated during normal operation to minimize space occupation, then inflates rapidly when impact is detected to provide cushioning protection.
2Reliability
If the seat back structure is modified to accommodate the deployable device, then effective impact absorption is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorber system is merged with the existing seat back structure, sharing common components such as the frame, housing, and mounting mechanisms. This integration allows the energy absorber to be manufactured and assembled as part of the seat back assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back structure is designed to serve multiple functions: providing structural support for the seat, housing the energy absorber system, and facilitating deployment of the protective device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying manufacturing.
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 compact deployable device effectively reduces impact energy transfer to the occupant, integrating seamlessly into existing seat designs without major structural alterations, enhancing safety and reducing development time and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator in communication with the cavity and configured to inflate the deployable device with gas
Implementation Method 2
The deployable device 14 may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material
Data Source
AI summary
A seat back includes a frame and a deployable device mounted to the frame. The deployable device includes a back panel, a front panel opposite the back panel, and a cavity between the back panel and the front panel. An inflator is in communication with the cavity. A clip is fixed to the back panel and is engaged with the frame.