Flexible seatback system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle seatback systems 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 with a passenger support panel that is suspended away from the seatback frame, allowing for resilient movement and improved support during dynamic events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seatbacks are designed to be substantially rigid and sizeable to support occupant during acceleration, change in direction, and collision, then safety and support capability 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) maintains structural integrity and safety support, while the flexible panel (covered cushioning material) provides comfort and adaptability. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The passenger support panel is constructed as a flexible shell or thin film structure that can deform and adapt to occupant movements and forces. This flexible panel is coupled to the rigid seatback frame through suspension components, enabling it to move independently to absorb dynamic forces while maintaining overall structural support.
2Strength
If seatbacks are designed to be substantially rigid to maintain structural integrity during dynamic events, then safety is improved, but ability to absorb forces and movements is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible passenger support panel acts as a pre-positioned cushioning element that absorbs and dissipates forces from occupant movements, acceleration, and collisions before these forces reach the rigid seatback frame. This beforehand cushioning protects the structural integrity of the frame while providing force absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible panel serves as an intermediary between the occupant and the rigid seatback frame. It mediates the transmission of forces by absorbing and dampening dynamic loads, thereby protecting the structural integrity of the frame while still providing necessary support to the occupant during dynamic events.
3Reliability
If seatbacks are made rigid and sizeable, then support during acceleration and collision is improved, but comfort during normal sitting is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The passenger support panel is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to move and deform in response to occupant movements and vehicle dynamics. This dynamic flexibility provides comfort during normal sitting while the rigid frame maintains support capability during acceleration and collision events.
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 forces and movements, providing adaptive support to the back of the occupant during acceleration, turns, and collisions, while maintaining structural integrity.
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 therefrom, allowing for resilient movement and improved support during dynamic events.
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.