Kinematic Back Panel With Rupture Line for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seatbacks are typically rigid, which can lead to inadequate protection during collisions, as they do not effectively absorb and distribute the forces of impact, potentially increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
Innovation Solution
A kinematic back panel with a controlled deformation portion featuring a rupture line that splits during a collision, allowing flaps to extend rearward and absorb impact forces, while being concealed from view by a pocket wall, providing both rearward and forward impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the seatback is made rigid to support occupants during acceleration and collision, then the structural strength and safety features are improved, but the ability to absorb and distribute impact forces is reduced, potentially increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The back panel is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid upper portion for structural support and safety, and a controlled deformation portion with rupture lines for energy absorption. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The back panel transitions from a uniformly rigid structure to one with varying mechanical properties. The controlled deformation portion has reduced rigidity through rupture lines, allowing it to change from a rigid state to a deformed state during impact, thereby absorbing energy while the upper portion maintains structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a controlled deformation portion with rupture line is added to absorb impact forces, then the injury protection is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled deformation portion is integrated into the back panel as a unified structure rather than being a separate component. The rupture lines are formed directly in the panel during molding or forming operations, combining the structural panel and energy-absorbing features into a single manufactured part.
Solution Approach 2:
The back panel has different properties in different locations: the upper portion maintains full rigidity for structural support, while the lower controlled deformation portion has intentionally created weakness lines for energy absorption. This local differentiation allows the structure to be complex only where needed for safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the controlled deformation portion is made visible from the rear view, then the impact absorption function is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled deformation portion is nested within a recessed area of the back panel, concealed by a pocket wall that forms part of the panel's aesthetic surface. This nesting allows the functional deformation zone to be hidden from external view while remaining accessible for its safety function during impact.
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 controlled deformation portion effectively absorbs and distributes collision forces, reducing the likelihood of injury to occupants by providing a softer stop for the knees and hips during both rear and front impact collisions.
Implementation Method 1
A controlled deformation portion includes a rupture line configured to split during a rear impact collision of the vehicle, resulting in flaps of the controlled deformation portion extending rearward relative to the seatback
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a seat having a seat cushion assembly. A seatback is pivotally coupled with the seat and includes a seatback cushion assembly. A polymeric hard back panel is operably coupled with the seatback and includes a recessed portion. A controlled deformation portion includes a rupture line configured to split during a rear impact collision of the vehicle, resulting in flaps of the controlled deformation portion extending rearward relative to the seatback. The controlled deformation portion is generally concealed from rearward view by a pocket wall.