Load Guard Backrest Retention Mechanism for Impact Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial utility vehicles face safety issues due to significant deformation of the side passenger seat backrest during front impacts, caused by loads shifting from the rear cargo space, which can be dangerous and violate regulatory safety standards, especially with higher openings.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with a mechanism comprising a hook and striker wire system is integrated into the load-stopping partition, allowing the hook to pivot between a retaining position to limit forward movement and a release position for folding, using abutment means and elastic return to prevent excessive deformation, and a control member for user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the opening in the load-stopping partition is made higher to increase loading space accessibility, then the loading space versatility is improved, but the backrest deformation during front impact increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining device comprising a hook and striker wire acts as an intermediary element between the backrest and the vehicle structure. The hook engages with the striker wire to provide intermediate support, distributing impact forces and preventing direct transmission of full impact load to the backrest, thereby reducing deformation while maintaining high opening accessibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the backrest is made foldable to increase loading space flexibility, then the loading space versatility is improved, but the backrest structural strength is reduced making it more susceptible to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is pre-configured in a locked position where the hook engages the striker wire before any impact occurs. This preliminary engagement ensures that when front impact happens, the backrest is already supported and constrained, preventing excessive deformation even in the folded configuration where structural strength is reduced
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking means are added to secure the backrest in raised configuration, then the backrest stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is merged with the existing locking means of the backrest system. The hook and striker wire mechanism is integrated into the same structural framework as the locking means, allowing both functions (retaining during impact and locking in raised position) to be achieved through a unified device rather than separate independent systems, thereby reducing overall complexity
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 limits excessive deformation of the backrest during impacts, ensuring safety compliance by preventing high amplitude deformation and maintaining the integrity of the backrest, thus enhancing safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
said mechanism comprises elastic return means capable of permanently forcing said hook towards said retaining position
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a load guard (30) extending between the cabin (10) and a rear load space, the said cabin (10) comprising at least one passenger seat (13) equipped with a folding backrest (14) and the said guard (30) being provided with an opening level with the said seat (13), the said vehicle comprising a retention device (40) comprising a mechanism (50) mounted on the said guard (30) as well as a latch (80) fixed to the said backrest (14) and provided with a latch strike wire (82), the said mechanism (50) comprising a hook (60) provided with a nose partially delimiting a bow intended to accept a portion of the said latch wire (82), the said hook (60) being mounted with the ability to pivot between a retention position in which the said nose is able to butt against the said portion of the latch strike wire (82) and a released position in which the said nose is distanced from the said latch strike wire (82).