Pivot Bracket Longitudinal Reinforcement Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot brackets for vehicle seats lack sufficient structural integrity and controlled displacement to effectively withstand and absorb the high forces generated during vehicle collisions, which can lead to unsafe conditions for occupants.
Innovation Solution
The pivot bracket incorporates longitudinal reinforcing structures for improved bending stiffness and an energy absorption member that deforms during impacts, reducing displacement and enhancing structural integrity by absorbing collision energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bracket is designed to be firmly attached to withstand collision forces, then the strength and reliability improve, but the flexibility to allow seat folding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into a rigid main body for strength and a separate deformable energy absorption member for controlled displacement. This segmentation allows the rigid portion to provide collision resistance while the deformable portion enables controlled movement during impact, resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with controlled displacement characteristics. The energy absorption member is designed to deform in a predictable manner during collision, allowing the bracket to adapt its stiffness based on the applied load - rigid during normal use for folding, but controlled-deformation during impact.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bracket structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the structural integrity during collision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire bracket complex, local quality enhancement is applied by adding longitudinal reinforcing structures only in critical areas where bending and twisting forces occur during collision. This provides improved structural integrity without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity across the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket combines different material properties or structural characteristics - a rigid main body with integrated longitudinal reinforcing structures and a separate deformable energy absorption member. This composite approach achieves high structural integrity through material/structural optimization rather than overall complexity.
3Loss of energy
If the bracket allows large displacement during collision to absorb energy, then the energy absorption increases, but the safety for occupants deteriorates due to uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption member is pre-configured with a specific deformable structure designed to collapse in a controlled manner during impact. This beforehand cushioning provides predictable energy absorption with controlled displacement characteristics, preventing uncontrolled movement while still absorbing collision energy to protect occupants.
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 provides improved safety for vehicle occupants by enhancing the pivot bracket's ability to withstand and manage collision forces, reducing the risk of structural failure and ensuring more controlled displacement during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorption member configured to deform in the event of a rear or front impact to the vehicle is connected to a distal attachment portion of the pivot bracket. In the event of a collision, the energy absorption member deforms and thus absorbs some of the energy from the collision
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Pivot bracket (200) for connecting a vehicle seat (102) to a vehicle body, the pivot bracket comprises: a main body (202) including at least one longitudinal reinforcing structure (216a-d) extending towards at least one attachment portion (206, 210, 210a, 212) configured for attaching the main body to the vehicle body (104), and an energy absorption member (214) connected to a distal attachment portion (212) of the pivot bracket and configured to deform in the event of a rear or front impact to the vehicle.