Rotary Lap Belt Shackle Assembly With Deformable Energy Attenuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lap belt systems rely on complex and costly inertia reels to absorb inertial loads during sudden deceleration events, which can lead to seat structure failure and increased complexity, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution to enhance occupant safety.
Innovation Solution
A rotary lap belt shackle assembly featuring a deformable link and a deformable lattice structure that acts as a rigid link at lower inertial loads, transitioning to energy absorption through deformation at higher loads, minimizing occupant displacement and impact on the seat structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex inertia reels with internal energy absorbers are used to attenuate inertial loads, then occupant safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the energy absorption function from the complex inertia reel system and implements it through a simpler deformable link mechanism with lattice structure that directly integrates into the shackle assembly, eliminating the need for specialized inertia reels while maintaining energy attenuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shackle assembly transitions from a purely rigid structure to one with controlled deformable characteristics through the lattice structure, changing the mechanical parameters to allow predictable plastic deformation at high inertial loads for energy absorption
2Strength
If rigid links are used to attach lap belts to seat structures, then structural strength is maintained, but inertial loads are transferred directly to the seat structure causing potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The shackle assembly incorporates a deformable lattice structure that changes the mechanical behavior from purely rigid to controlled deformable, allowing the structure to absorb energy through predictable plastic deformation while maintaining adequate strength for normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of high inertial loads directly transferring to the seat structure into a beneficial energy absorption mechanism, where the controlled deformation of the lattice structure dissipates the harmful inertial energy rather than transmitting it fully to the seat structure
3Reliability
If seat structures are made substantial and reinforced to withstand high impact loads, then structural reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the energy absorption function from the seat structure itself and relocates it to the shackle assembly's deformable link mechanism, allowing the seat structure to remain lighter while still achieving the required reliability through the dedicated energy absorption component
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire seat structure substantially reinforced, the invention applies localized energy absorption capability only where needed in the shackle assembly, maintaining overall structural reliability while minimizing unnecessary weight addition to the seat frame
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 effectively attenuates impact energy, reduces the risk of seat structure failure, allows for weight reduction in seat frames, and enhances occupant safety by minimizing inertial loads and head impact criteria, while eliminating the need for complex inertia reels.
Implementation Method 1
each of the deformation link and the energy attenuator is configured to undergo plastic deformation as the guide travels along the guideway
Implementation Method 2
absorbing energy by straightening a deformable link and crushing a lattice structure
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary lap belt energy attenuator for reducing inertial loads on seat components. In embodiments, a shackle assembly includes a seat frame component, a shackle pivotally attached to the seat component and attachable to a lap belt component, a deformable link attached to the shackle and the seat component, an attachment guide configured to travel along the guideway, and an energy attenuator positioned in the guideway. In use, each of the deformable link and the energy attenuator undergo plastic deformation during rotary motion of the shackle to attenuate impact energy.