Flexible Seatback Suspension System for Dynamic Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seatbacks are rigid and lack flexibility, failing to effectively absorb the dynamic movements and forces experienced during vehicle acceleration, changes in direction, and collisions, which can lead to discomfort and reduced safety for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat suspension system with flexible members protruding from a central area of a front trim piece, coupled to a passenger support panel, creating a resilient suspension that moves rearward upon deflection, providing adaptive support and maintaining a comfortable position for occupants during dynamic events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seatbacks are designed to be rigid and sizeable to support occupants during acceleration, changes in direction, and collision, then safety and support are improved, but flexibility and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into a rigid frame structure and a separate flexible passenger support panel. The rigid frame (side supports and cross supports) provides structural integrity and safety support during dynamic events, while the flexible passenger support panel suspended by flexible members absorbs dynamic movements and enhances comfort. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The passenger support panel is implemented as a flexible element suspended by flexible members instead of being rigidly attached to the seatback frame. This flexible construction allows the panel to deform and absorb dynamic movements during vehicle acceleration, direction changes, and collisions, while still providing necessary occupant support. The flexibility is achieved through the suspension system comprising flexible members connected to the frame.
2Strength
If seatbacks are made substantially rigid to provide structural support, then strength and stability are improved, but ability to absorb dynamic forces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback structure is segmented into a rigid frame and a flexible suspended panel. The rigid frame (comprising side supports and cross supports) maintains structural strength and stability, while the flexible passenger support panel suspended by flexible members absorbs dynamic forces through controlled deformation. This segmentation enables the system to simultaneously achieve strength and force absorption capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible members and suspended panel configuration provide beforehand cushioning by being pre-configured to deform under dynamic loads. When dynamic forces occur during vehicle maneuvers, the flexible suspension system is already positioned to absorb these forces through controlled deflection, protecting occupants from harsh impacts while maintaining structural integrity.
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 flexible suspension system enhances occupant comfort and safety by absorbing dynamic forces, maintaining support and reducing discomfort during vehicle maneuvers, while also allowing for adjustable positioning to accommodate various occupant movements.
Implementation Method 1
A suspension component is coupled with a central area of the front trim piece and has flexible members protruding forward and outward therefrom. A passenger support panel has a periphery coupled to distal ends of the flexible members and suspended away from the seatback frame.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible members protruding forward and outward from the central area of the front trim piece allow the passenger support panel to move rearward upon resilient deflection of the suspension component.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports that define a seatback frame. A front trim piece is coupled between the first and second side supports. A suspension component is coupled with a central area of the front trim piece and has flexible members protruding forward and outward therefrom. A passenger support panel has a periphery coupled to distal ends of the flexible members and suspended away from the seatback frame.