Seat Back Frame Diagonal Load Path for Side Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat safety features are costly, complex, and ineffective in fully transferring impact loads during side collisions, leading to incomplete occupant protection and higher mass, complexity, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A seat back frame with a load transfer member that includes a first side member, a second side member, an upper cross member, a lower cross member, and a diagonally positioned middle cross member to effectively transfer impact loads diagonally through the seat assembly, enhancing occupant safety and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known safety features (seat belts, air bags) are provided, then occupant protection is improved, but cost, complexity, and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load transfer function from complex active safety systems (airbags, pretensioners) and implements it through a passive structural element integrated into the seat back frame. The load transfer member is a dedicated structural component that directly transfers impact loads without requiring sensors, control systems, or active deployment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer member acts as an intermediary structural element between the seat back and the seat cushion/vehicle structure. It mediates the transfer of impact forces by providing a dedicated load path that connects these components, distributing forces more effectively than the existing seat frame alone.
2Reliability
If known safety features are provided, then occupant protection is improved, but mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load transfer function from heavy active safety systems and implements it through a relatively lightweight passive structural member integrated into the seat frame. This dedicated load transfer member provides effective impact force management without the mass penalty of airbags, control units, and deployment mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional seat back frame structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but impact load transfer capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seat back frame into distinct functional components: the original seat back frame structure and the added load transfer member. This segmentation allows the load transfer function to be implemented as a separate, focused structural element that can be manufactured and assembled independently, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer member provides localized reinforcement specifically where impact load transfer is needed, rather than requiring strengthening of the entire seat frame. This targeted approach enhances impact resistance at critical locations while maintaining the overall simplicity and manufacturability of the seat structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat back frame for use in a vehicle seat assembly including a first side member, a second side member, an upper cross member, and a lower cross member. The seat back frame also includes a load transfer member that transfers impact loads from a collision through the seat assembly.