Flexible seatback system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle seatback systems are rigid and lack flexibility, failing to effectively absorb and distribute the 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 first and second side supports defining a seatback structure, featuring upper and lower components with outwardly extending flex members that couple with a passenger support, creating an external peripheral gap to absorb and distribute forces, and a removable cover stock for enhanced comfort and visibility.
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 multiple independent support elements (first and second side supports, upper and lower components with flex members) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the seatback to maintain overall structural integrity while providing localized flexibility through the articulated components and external peripheral gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback incorporates dynamic elements including outwardly extending flex members that can flex, an external peripheral gap that allows movement, and articulated connections between components. These dynamic features enable the seatback to adapt to occupant movement and distribute forces during vehicle maneuvers while maintaining safety support.
2Strength
If seatbacks are made rigid to provide structural support, then strength and stability are improved, but force absorption and distribution capabilities are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The force distribution mechanism is achieved by segmenting the seatback into multiple support elements that independently absorb and distribute forces. The flex members and articulated connections allow forces to be distributed across multiple points rather than concentrated on a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback utilizes changes in physical parameters including flex member deflection, gap closure, and component articulation to absorb forces. These parameter changes allow the structure to transition from a rigid force-transmitting system to a flexible force-absorbing system while maintaining overall strength.
3Ease of operation
If a removable cover stock is added over the upper and lower components, then comfort and visibility are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover stock is designed as a removable, replaceable component that can be easily detached and reattached. This approach allows for simple maintenance and customization without requiring complex integration mechanisms, treating the cover as a consumable or easily replaceable element.
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 seatback system provides improved comfort and safety by distributing occupant weight and forces across the seatback, reducing stress on the occupant during vehicle maneuvers and collisions, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
upper and lower components, each including at least two outwardly extending flex members
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports defining a seatback structure. An upper component and a lower component are provided, each including at least two outwardly extending flex members. A passenger support includes a periphery operably coupled to distal ends of the flex members. An external peripheral gap is defined between the passenger support and the seatback structure.