Vehicle Seat Back Frame Impact Diffusion Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats lack effective diffusion of impact energy absorption during rear-end collisions, leading to limited impact absorbability and rigidity issues, particularly due to the unidirectional deformation of seat back frames.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a seat back frame with weakened portions and deformation guiding portions, where the weakened portions are strategically positioned to diffuse upward and downward warping deformation, enhancing impact absorbability while maintaining rigidity through carefully designed edge extensions and protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If narrow portions are formed in the lower frame to absorb impact energy, then impact absorbability is improved, but the rigidity of the seat back frame in normal use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lower frame is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional properties: narrow portions with reduced thickness for impact absorption, and wide portions with increased thickness for rigidity. This local differentiation allows the frame to exhibit appropriate mechanical properties in different regions - flexible where needed for energy absorption, rigid where needed for structural support during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower frame is segmented into multiple functional zones: narrow portions (first and second) for impact energy absorption, wide portions for maintaining rigidity, and deformation guiding portions for controlling deformation paths. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between overall rigidity and localized flexibility.
2Device complexity
If deformation is transmitted in one direction from narrow portions, then impact energy absorption is simplified, but impact absorbability is limited due to inability to diffuse deformation directions
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation guiding portions are designed with asymmetric geometries that direct deformation preferentially in specific directions (upward and downward) rather than allowing random deformation. This asymmetric design efficiently diffuses impact energy in multiple controlled directions, improving impact absorbability while maintaining design simplicity.
3Length of moving object
If narrow portions are extended in long shapes from outer sides toward inner sides, then impact energy absorption path is established, but the available area for forming weakened portions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The narrow portions are configured to extend primarily in the right-left direction (horizontal dimension) rather than vertically, and the deformation guiding portions utilize the vertical dimension to direct deformation upward and downward. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows sufficient deformation path length without excessively consuming the available area, enabling both adequate impact absorption and space for other components.
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 design significantly improves impact absorbability by diffusing deformation directions and maintaining rigidity, allowing for efficient stress concentration and reduced interference with other components, thus enhancing the overall safety and operational efficiency of the seat.
Implementation Method 1
a weakened portion 40 that is deformed when an impact load is applied
Implementation Method 2
when an impact load is applied upon a rear-end collision
Implementation Method 3
allowing for efficient stress concentration and reduced interference with other components
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vehicle seat in which the transmission direction of deformation of a seat when an impact load is applied thereto is diffused so that impact absorbability is improved. This vehicle seat includes a seat back having a seat back frame that serves as a framework. The seat back frame has side frames positioned on the left and right sides, and a lower frame connecting lower parts of the side frames. The lower frame has a weakened part that is deformed when an impact load is applied, and a deformation guiding part for guiding the deformation direction of the weakened part. The weakened part and the deformation guiding part are arranged in the centers of areas obtained by extending the center portion of the lower frame toward the right and left sides with the same vertical-direction width, are provided on the same horizontal plane.