Multi-Stage Ride-Down Pad for Child Restraint Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-restraint systems fail to effectively absorb external impact forces, resulting in excessive acceleration (g-loads) experienced by children during vehicle collisions, which can lead to injury.
Innovation Solution
An energy-dissipation system comprising a multi-stage ride-down pad with a first and second force dissipater, where the first dissipater includes a deformable vessel with an air-discharge port and a deformable support frame to absorb energy by controlled air discharge, and the second dissipater is arranged to deform first, minimizing the impact force on the child.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional child-restraint system is used, then the structure is simple, but it fails to effectively absorb external impact forces resulting in excessive g-loads
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-dissipation system is divided into multiple force dissipaters (first force dissipater with air chamber, second force dissipater, third force dissipater) arranged in sequence. Each dissipater handles a stage of the impact force, segmenting the energy absorption process to effectively reduce g-loads while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable support frame is nested within the vessel structure, and the air chamber is integrated within the force dissipater components. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to be compactly arranged, improving impact absorption capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If the vessel deforms quickly to absorb energy, then the energy absorption is rapid, but the ride-down time is reduced minimizing energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation characteristics of the support frame are carefully engineered to change parameters such as material properties, geometric configuration, and structural density. These parameter changes enable the frame to control the deformation rate of the vessel, achieving an optimal balance between rapid energy absorption and sufficient ride-down time for effective energy dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable support frame acts as an intermediary element between the external impact force and the air chamber. It mediates the energy transfer process by deforming in a controlled manner, regulating the rate at which the vessel deforms and air is discharged, thus balancing rapid energy absorption with adequate ride-down time.
3Strength
If a single force dissipater is used, then the device complexity is low, but the energy absorption capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is segmented across multiple force dissipaters arranged in sequence. The first force dissipater (with air chamber) handles initial impact, followed by the second and third dissipaters that continue energy absorption. This segmentation increases total energy absorption capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular, standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-stage arrangement of force dissipaters creates a preliminary action sequence where each dissipater is pre-positioned to handle specific stages of impact energy. The first dissipater prepares for initial high-force impact, followed by subsequent dissipaters that progressively absorb remaining energy, optimizing overall capacity without excessive complexity.
4Productivity
If air is discharged rapidly from the air chamber, then the energy dissipation is fast, but the g-loads on the child increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air discharge process is controlled by changing parameters such as the size and configuration of air discharge ports, the properties of the deformable support frame, and the initial pressure and volume of air in the chamber. These parameter changes regulate the discharge rate to balance fast energy dissipation with minimized g-loads transmitted to the child.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable support frame serves as an intermediary that controls air discharge from the air chamber. It mediates between the rapid pressure equalization need and the child protection requirement by regulating the discharge rate, allowing fast energy dissipation while preventing harmful g-loads from being transmitted to the child.
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 significantly reduces g-loads and maximizes ride-down time by staged deformation of the dissipaters, effectively absorbing external energy and minimizing the force applied to the child during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a first force dissipater containing a volume of air that is discharged at a metered rate when the first force dissipater is exposed to an external impact force
Implementation Method 2
External energy is absorbed as air is discharged from the air chamber of the vessel after the vessel has been exposed to an external impact force
Implementation Method 3
The deformable support frame provides means for supporting the vessel to maintain at least a predetermined volume of air in the air chamber until the vessel is deformed when exposed to an external impact force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and an energy- absorption apparatus coupled to the juvenile vehicle seat. The energy-absorption apparatus is configured to absorb external energy associated with an external impact force applied to the energy-absorption apparatus.