Movable Barrier Bulkhead for Commercial Vehicle Driver Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicle seat-bulkhead assemblies fail to effectively protect the driver from transversal displacements of loads when the passenger seat backrest is folded, as they primarily address longitudinal load displacements.
Innovation Solution
A seat-bulkhead assembly with a movable backrest and a barrier portion that can be raised to a vertical position parallel to the backrest when it is folded, providing additional protection for the driver by extending the bulkhead laterally and independently from the fixed portion, allowing for easier assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the backrest is folded forwards to extend the rear loading compartment, then the loading space is increased, but the driver is exposed to transversal load displacements
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead is divided into a fixed portion and a movable barrier portion that can independently change position. The barrier portion is separable from the backrest structure, allowing it to remain in place even when the backrest is folded forward, thus maintaining protection while enabling volume expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier portion is made dynamically adjustable between different positions (raised and lowered) independent of the backrest position. This allows the system to adapt to different operational modes: protected mode during normal operation and expanded mode when loading space is needed, resolving the contradiction between safety and volume.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed bulkhead is used to protect the driver, then protection is provided, but the loading compartment volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead system is segmented into a fixed structural portion that provides driver protection and a movable barrier portion that can be repositioned. This segmentation allows the protective function to remain while the movable part can be folded away to increase loading volume when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier portion transitions from a static fixed bulkhead to a dynamic element that can change position. When lowered, it allows maximum loading volume; when raised, it provides protection. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between protection and volume by allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
3Device complexity
If the barrier portion is integrated with the backrest, then assembly is simplified, but the barrier cannot function independently when the backrest is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier portion is designed as a separable component that can be independently positioned relative to the backrest. While it can be assembled with the backrest for simplicity, its independent mounting allows it to function separately when the backrest is folded forward, providing both assembly simplicity and operational versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to raise the barrier portion independently, then independent protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier portion is designed with simple dynamic elements that allow it to be raised and lowered independently of the backrest position. This dynamic capability provides independent protection functionality without requiring complex mechanisms, as the barrier can be positioned based on operational needs rather than being slave to backrest movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat-bulkhead assembly, in particular for a commercial vehicle (1), is provided with a seat (5) having a backrest (13), which is movable between an essentially vertical raised position, in which it defines a rest for a passenger, and an essentially horizontal folded position, in which a rear surface (15) of the backrest (13) is facing upwards; the assembly is provided with a bulkhead portion (24), which is carried by the backrest (13) and which is jointly displaced between the raised and folded positions; the bulkhead portion (24) may be raised with respect to the backrest (13) when the backrest (13) is in folded position, to be arranged in a position which is essentially vertical and which is, in use, alongside a driver's position.