Folded Sheet Impact Absorber for Space-Constrained Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Impact absorbing members for vehicles occupy a large 3D space, making it difficult to install them in areas where space is limited, such as in vehicular seats, while still effectively absorbing impact energy.
Innovation Solution
An impact absorbing member comprising a sheet member with bent parts and a restraining member that allows the sheet parts to be superposed and restrained in a specific manner, optimizing space usage and energy absorption through controlled deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a tubular member configuration is used for impact absorption, then impact energy can be absorbed through continuous bending deformation, but the 3D space occupied becomes large making installation difficult in space-constrained areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a 3D tubular structure to a 2D sheet member configuration. The sheet member is folded back on itself to form multiple superposed sheet parts that absorb impact energy through planar bending deformation, dramatically reducing the occupied 3D space while maintaining impact absorption functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet member is folded back to create multiple sheet parts that are superposed one over another, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement allows the impact absorbing structure to occupy minimal 3D space while the multiple folded layers provide sufficient deformation capacity for 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 solution enables effective absorption of impact energy in a smaller space, ensuring efficient energy absorption and reduced space occupancy, allowing for reliable installation in constrained areas like vehicular seats.
Implementation Method 1
Impact energy is absorbed by continuous bending deformation increasing the length of a folded back part where the outer wall is folded back due to an impact load
Data Source
AI summary
An impact absorbing member able to absorb the energy at the time of impact using a smaller space is provided. The impact absorbing member 10 comprises a sheet member 12 having bent parts 12a and a plurality of sheet parts 12b connected through the bent parts 12a and a restraining member 14 restraining the plurality of sheet parts 12b, the plurality of sheet parts 12b being superposed in a state folded back at the bent parts 12a in a first direction, the restraining member 14 restraining the superposed plurality of sheet parts 12b from both sides in a second direction, the first direction being a direction connecting one end part 12c among two end parts 12c of the sheet member 12 and the bent part 12a adjoining the sheet part at which the end part 12c is positioned, the second direction being a direction perpendicular to the first direction.