Pivotable Armrest with Deformable Member for Side Impact Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current side airbag systems do not effectively manage occupant kinematics during vehicle-side impacts, particularly in controlling the movement of occupants between the vehicle door and seat assembly, leading to inadequate protection and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a pivotally connected armrest and deformable member that absorbs energy during impacts, combined with inflatable airbags supported by the armrest and seatback, which deploy to cushion the occupant and maintain the armrest in an upright position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the armrest is made fixed and rigid to provide structural support, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to absorb impact energy and adapt to occupant movement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with a hinge mechanism that allows it to pivot between an upright position and a reclined position. This dynamic capability enables the armrest to adapt its configuration during side impacts, allowing it to absorb impact energy through controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity. The deformable member further enhances this by providing controlled deformation to dissipate energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest system changes its physical parameters during impact events. The hinge allows the armrest to change its angular position, and the deformable member changes its shape and stiffness characteristics. These parameter changes enable the armrest to transition from a rigid support structure to an energy-absorbing component during side impacts.
2Loss of energy
If the armrest is made pivotable to absorb impact energy, then the impact energy absorption is improved, but the structural stability and support capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides controlled mobility to the armrest, allowing it to pivot during impact events. This dynamic behavior enables energy absorption through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance, while the hinge itself maintains structural integrity to provide ongoing support.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest assembly combines multiple components with different properties: the rigid armrest structure for support, the hinge for controlled movement, and the deformable member for energy dissipation. This composite structure achieves both stability and energy absorption capabilities that individual components cannot provide alone.
3Loss of energy
If a deformable member is added between the armrest and seat frame to absorb energy, then the impact energy absorption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable member is integrated into the existing armrest structure, merging the energy absorption function with the structural support function. Rather than adding a separate complex energy absorption system, the deformable member is incorporated as part of the armrest assembly, sharing space and structural roles with other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable member utilizes flexible material properties to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation. This approach uses the inherent flexibility of materials rather than complex mechanical energy absorption mechanisms, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining effective energy dissipation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the armrest is designed to pivot during side impact to manage occupant kinematics, then the occupant protection is improved, but the ease of operation and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is pre-configured to allow pivoting in the specific direction needed for impact protection. The armrest is designed with predetermined pivot geometry and stopping points that guide the movement to occur only when and how it provides protective benefit, preventing unwanted movement during normal use while enabling protective movement during impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest changes its operational parameters (position, angle) in response to impact forces. During normal operation, the armrest maintains its standard upright position for comfort. During impact, the parameters change dynamically to provide protection, after which the system can return to its original configuration.
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 absorbs impact energy, maintains the armrest upright, and provides enhanced protection by deploying airbags to cushion the occupant, thereby improving safety and comfort during side impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable member between the seat frame and the lower extension of the armrest, the deformable member being deformable relative to the seat frame and the armrest
Implementation Method 2
the deformable member being deformable relative to the seat frame and the armrest
Implementation Method 3
a hinge pivotally connecting the armrest to the seat frame, the armrest having an upper extension extending upwardly from the hinge and a lower extension extending downwardly from the hinge
Implementation Method 4
combined with inflatable airbags supported by the armrest and seatback, which deploy to cushion the occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat frame. The seat assembly includes an armrest. A hinge pivotally connects the armrest to the seat frame. The armrest includes an upper extension extending upwardly from the hinge and a lower extension extending downwardly from the hinge. The seat assembly includes a deformable member between the seat frame and the lower extension of the armrest. The deformable member is deformable relative to the seat frame and the armrest.