Pressure-Actuated Decoupling Module for Release Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoupling modules for vehicle seats do not effectively decouple under load, and there is a need for an improved design that can efficiently release the connection between two components.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling module with a module housing, a locking unit, and a drive unit, where the locking unit is axially movable and triggered by a pressure surge generated by the drive unit, allowing for a compact and high-force decoupling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastening device is used, then the connection between components is maintained, but the device cannot effectively decouple under load
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is designed to be axially movable within the module housing, transitioning between a locked position (protruding from the housing) and an unlocked position (retracted into the housing). This dynamic capability allows the device to automatically decouple under load by enabling the locking unit to move in response to applied forces, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining connection reliability and enabling effective decoupling under load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling module is divided into distinct functional components: a module housing, a movable locking unit, and a drive unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the locking unit handles the mechanical coupling, the drive unit generates the pressure surge for unlocking, and the housing provides structural support - thereby achieving reliable decoupling under load without excessive overall complexity
2Force
If a compact decoupling module with high operating force is designed, then decoupling effectiveness is improved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit generates a pressure surge within the module housing that acts directly on the locking unit to force it from the locked to the unlocked position. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism enables the generation of high operating forces in a compact volume, as fluid pressure can produce substantial forces without requiring large mechanical leverage structures, thus resolving the contradiction between high operating force and compact module size
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure surge generated by the drive unit serves as an intermediary mechanism between the energy source and the locking unit. Instead of directly mechanically actuating the locking unit with complex linkages that would increase size, the pressure surge mediates the force transmission, enabling compact high-force operation by using fluid pressure as the intermediate force transmission medium
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 a compact decoupling module with high operating force and pressure, capable of effectively decoupling under load, enhancing the safety and functionality of vehicle seats.
Implementation Method 1
The propagating pressure surge or an integral pressure that builds up can be generated, for example, by a gas or gas mixture of the drive unit being introduced into the hollow space
Implementation Method 2
The drive unit can be designed as a pyrotechnic device, for example
Data Source
AI summary
A decoupling module for two releasably interconnected components may have a module housing with a first coupling interface for one of the components and with a hollow space. The module may also have a locking unit which is mounted axially movably in the module housing and, in an initial state, protrudes at least partially from the module housing to lock the two components releasably to each other. The module may also have a drive unit which on the other hand is arranged in a positionally fixed manner in the module housing. The locking unit and the drive unit are designed to interact in such a way that, upon triggering or firing of the drive unit, the locking unit can be acted upon or is acted upon abruptly and directly by a pressure surge propagating in the hollow space and moves into the module housing.