Inflatable Support Column for Rearward-Facing Child Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional child seat support legs are impractical due to weight and size issues, and their installation can be complex, leading to potential incorrect installation and occupation of vehicle space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A support arrangement with an inflatable body that extends axially between the child seat and a support surface, capable of withstanding collision loads by compressing and increasing gas pressure, and featuring adjustable straps to control extension, allowing independent support of the child seat from the seat back and enabling compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid support leg is used to transfer collision loads, then safety is improved, but weight and size increase making it impractical to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The support leg is replaced by an inflatable support element that uses gas pressure to provide structural support and collision load transfer. The inflatable element can be inflated to the required pressure to achieve the necessary stiffness and strength for safety, while remaining lightweight and easy to store when deflated.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the support element is changed from rigid solid to inflatable structure. By controlling the inflation pressure, the element can transition between a soft stored state and a stiff supporting state, providing both safety during use and ease of handling when deflated.
2Reliability
If a rigid support leg is used to transfer collision loads, then safety is improved, but size increases occupying vehicle space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support leg is replaced by an inflatable element that can be deflated to a compact size for storage in the vehicle, and inflated to full size when needed to provide collision load transfer and safety support.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable support element can be folded or rolled into a compact form that nests within the child seat structure or vehicle storage spaces, minimizing occupied volume when not in use while maintaining full functionality when inflated.
3Weight of moving object
If a retractable support leg is used, then weight is reduced, but installation complexity increases and risk of incorrect installation arises
Solution Approach 1:
The complex retractable mechanical mechanism is replaced by a simpler inflatable element that requires only inflation to become operational. The inflation process itself activates the support function, eliminating the need for complex mechanical deployment mechanisms and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable support element is designed to be self-supporting when inflated, with the inflation process automatically providing the necessary structural integrity. The element self-regulates its support properties through pressure equalization, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the support leg is made stiff to transfer loads, then safety is improved, but ease of handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffness of the support element is dynamically controlled through inflation pressure. When deflated or at low pressure, the element is flexible and easy to handle, install, and store. When inflated to the required pressure, it becomes sufficiently stiff to transfer collision loads effectively, providing safety when needed.
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 inflatable support column provides enhanced safety and ease of handling by distributing collision loads effectively and reducing the risk of incorrect installation, while its compact design optimizes vehicle space when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
The support column comprises, or is constituted by, at least one inflatable body. The inflatable body is adapted to withstand an internal gas pressure above atmospheric pressure.
Implementation Method 2
The support column is adapted to transfer a collision load in the axial direction. The inflatable body is adapted to withstand an internal gas pressure above atmospheric pressure, such that the internal gas pressure is higher than just a weight of the support column.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a support arrangement (85) with a rearward-facing child seat. The support arrangement (85) comprises a support column (89) having an axial direction (A). The support column is adapted to transfer a collision load in the axial direction. The support column comprises, or is constituted by, at least one inflatable body. The support arrangement comprises a child seat portion (87) forming an integral unit with said support column, said child seat portion forming said rearward-facing child seat. The support column is adapted to in an inflated state of the inflatable body extend in the axial direction between the child seat portion and a support surface. The disclosure also relates to a method to control extension in an axial direction of the support arrangement.