Multi-Stage Energy Attenuator for Vehicle Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seating systems in vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft fail to adequately mitigate the severity of shock loads experienced by occupants during high-energy impact events, such as explosions or crashes, as they lack effective energy attenuation mechanisms to control and modulate the inertia-induced motion of seats.
Innovation Solution
An energy attenuating seating system is introduced, comprising a seat guide apparatus that allows the seat to move vertically and energy attenuating components that support the seat under normal conditions and absorb energy through controlled deformation during impact events, utilizing a multi-stage attenuation process with customizable materials and configurations to manage seat motion and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seating systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they fail to adequately mitigate shock loads during high-energy impact events
Solution Approach 1:
The energy attenuating component is divided into multiple attenuation zones with different cross-sectional areas, creating a multi-stage attenuation process. Each zone handles different levels of energy absorption, allowing the system to effectively mitigate shock loads while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the cross-sectional area parameters of different attenuation zones to optimize energy absorption. By changing geometric parameters (cross-sectional areas) of metal members, the system achieves improved shock load mitigation capability while keeping the overall structure practical for manufacturing
2Reliability
If energy attenuating components with multiple attenuation zones are used, then energy absorption capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different attenuation zones have different cross-sectional areas tailored to their specific energy absorption requirements. This local quality approach allows each zone to be optimized for its function while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes, balancing energy absorption capability with ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The energy attenuating component uses metal members with varying cross-sectional areas that can be fabricated using conventional processes. The design allows for composite construction approaches where different zones may use different materials or fabrication methods appropriate to their specific requirements
3Reliability
If the seat is constrained to prevent motion, then occupant position is controlled, but shock load severity is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat guide apparatus provides dynamic guidance that allows controlled seat motion during impact events while maintaining stability during normal operation. The system transitions from a static constrained position to a dynamic energy-absorbing motion, then returns to stable positioning, achieving both shock load attenuation and position control
Solution Approach 2:
The energy attenuating component acts as an intermediary between the seat and the vehicle structure. It mediates the interaction by allowing controlled motion to absorb energy while the seat guide apparatus ensures the seat returns to its proper position, balancing attenuation and stability requirements
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 system effectively reduces the severity of shock loads by absorbing energy through controlled deformation of metal components, ensuring occupant safety by managing seat motion and load distribution, capable of withstanding high-energy impacts like mine blasts and road shocks, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing excessive binding during such events.
Implementation Method 1
energy attenuating components that support the seat under normal conditions and absorb energy through controlled deformation during impact events
Implementation Method 2
control and modulate the inertia-induced motion of seats
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating vehicle seating system that includes a seat configured for guided motion relative to a vehicle compartment over a stroking distance, and an energy attenuating component with a first end attached to the seat, a second end configured for attachment to the vehicle compartment, and an intermediate point configured for guided motion relative to the vehicle compartment. The energy attenuating component is configured to remain rigid and prevent the seat from moving under loads less than a predetermined threshold value, yet deform in a progressive, predictable manner in response to a load exceeding the threshold.