Weight-Adjustable Friction Attenuation Strip for Vehicle Seat Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorption systems for vehicles do not provide an optimized level of attenuation for different occupant weights and inefficiently use space for G-force absorption during explosions below the vehicle, leading to potential fatal G-force exposure.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorption apparatus with a weight-adjustable absorption mechanism using an attenuation strip woven through anvils, which adjusts frictional attenuation force based on occupant weight, and a reset mechanism for absorbing multiple G-forces within a compact space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable metal strip woven through anvils is used to attenuate G-force, then the G-force attenuation is improved, but the system cannot provide optimized attenuation for different occupant weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing the attenuation strip to be repositioned through different anvil configurations and by incorporating adjustable tensioning mechanisms. This enables the system to adapt to different occupant weights while maintaining optimal attenuation performance, resolving the contradiction between fixed attenuation design and weight-specific adaptability.
2Reliability
If sufficient space is provided below the seat for energy absorption, then the G-force attenuation is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested positioning where the absorption mechanism components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration below the seat. The attenuation strip is routed through vertically stacked anvil assemblies, maximizing the use of available vertical space while maintaining effective attenuation performance, thus resolving the contradiction between attenuation effectiveness and space consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the attenuation strip is made longer to absorb more energy, then the energy absorption capacity is improved, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the local quality of the attenuation strip by varying its physical properties along its length, such as thickness, material composition, or cross-sectional area. This allows different sections of the strip to contribute differently to energy absorption, maximizing the energy absorption capacity of a given strip length and resolving the contradiction between energy absorption and strip length.
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
Ensures maximum attenuation for all occupant weights while minimizing space, significantly increasing survival chances by providing consistent attenuation and additional protection against slamdown G-forces.
Implementation Method 1
the attenuation strip is bent and pulled through the anvils thereby producing a frictional attenuation force which controls movement of the seat relative to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
absorbing energy imparted on a vehicle, during an explosion occurring below the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy absorption apparatus for protecting occupants of different body weights from the effects of excessive G-force by absorbing energy imparted on a vehicle during an explosion occurring below the vehicle. The apparatus has a first mounting member attached to the vehicle, a second mounting member attached to the occupant's seat, and an absorption mechanism attached between the first and second mounting members. The absorption mechanism utilises an attenuation strip provided on one of the mounting members, and anvils provided on the other of the mounting members such that when the vehicle is subjected to excessive G-force, the attenuation strip is bent and pulled through the anvils thereby producing a frictional attenuation force (15) which controls movement of the seat relative to the vehicle. An absorption adjustment mechanism is provided, to allow the magnitude of attenuation to be adjusted depending upon the weight of the occupant.