Multi-Axis Energy Attenuating Vehicle Seat Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy attenuating seats lack effective multi-axis energy attenuation capabilities to manage complex shock loads involving both vertical and horizontal components, which can lead to inadequate protection for occupants during events like mine blasts or helicopter crashes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multi-axis energy attenuation mechanisms, including vertical and horizontal EA supports with compliant links that deform to absorb energy, allowing the seat to move in multiple directions while maintaining stability, and can be customized with various materials and shapes to accommodate different shock loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing energy attenuating seats are used, then simple vertical shock attenuation is provided, but multi-axis shock loads cannot be effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The energy attenuation system is divided into separate vertical and horizontal EA supports, each independently attenuating shock loads in their respective directions. This segmentation allows the system to handle multi-axis shock loads effectively while maintaining simple, replaceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends energy attenuation from a single vertical dimension to multiple dimensions by adding horizontal EA supports. This dimensional expansion enables the seat to attenuate shock loads arriving from any direction, significantly improving adaptability and protection effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multi-axis energy attenuation mechanisms are added, then comprehensive shock load protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the energy attenuation function into separate vertical and horizontal supports with independent EA links, the system achieves multi-axis protection without creating a monolithic complex structure. Each segment remains relatively simple and can be independently analyzed, manufactured, and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The EA links are designed with universal functionality to handle shock loads in their respective axes while maintaining similar structural characteristics and material properties. This universality simplifies the overall design and allows using the same type of compliant mechanism for different directional attenuation.
3Loss of energy
If EA links are designed to deform and absorb energy, then shock load attenuation is improved, but structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The EA links are pre-designed with controlled deformation characteristics to absorb shock energy before it reaches the occupant. The compliant geometry and material selection ensure that the links deform in a predictable manner during impact, dissipating energy while maintaining adequate strength for normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters and material properties of the EA links to achieve the desired balance between energy absorption and structural strength. By adjusting parameters such as link thickness, length, and material composition, the system attains optimal shock attenuation performance while maintaining sufficient strength for operational loads.
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
This approach provides comprehensive protection by effectively absorbing both vertical and horizontal components of shock loads, ensuring occupant safety across a range of severe impact scenarios, including mine blasts and helicopter crashes, while allowing for easy replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
compliant links that deform to absorb energy
Implementation Method 2
EA supports with compliant links that deform to absorb energy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating seat assembly with multi-axis energy attenuation. In one embodiment the seat assembly comprises a seat with a back, a first energy attenuating support comprising a first seat guide, and a first energy attenuating link, the first energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a first direction with respect to the seat. The exemplary seat assembly further comprises a second energy attenuating support comprising a second seat guide, and a second energy attenuating link, the second energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a second direction with respect to the seat.