Seat Back Deformation Zone for Rear Occupant Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

During rapid deceleration or crashes, rear occupants may suffer injuries due to contact with the forward seat, as existing structures fail to effectively absorb impact energy, leading to potential bodily harm.

Innovation Solution

An impact absorption assembly is designed for the seat back, featuring a wireframe structure with an upper deformation zone that deforms plastically upon impact, along with a plastic cover and elongated metal extrusions with partial-tube deformation zones, and metal brackets with curved protruding portions to absorb energy and reduce injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing rigid seat structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but impact energy absorption is insufficient causing injury to rear occupants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The seat back structure is divided into multiple deformation zones with different rigidity characteristics. The upper portion includes a first deformation zone with lower rigidity for energy absorption, while the lower portion maintains higher rigidity for structural support. This segmentation allows the seat to simultaneously absorb impact energy and maintain necessary structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the seat back are given different rigidity properties tailored to their specific functions. The upper deformation zone is designed with lower rigidity to maximize energy absorption during rear-end collisions, while the lower portion maintains higher rigidity for structural integrity and load bearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the seat back structure is made more rigid to maintain strength, then structural integrity is improved, but the ability to deform and absorb impact energy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidimpact energy dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seat back is segmented into distinct zones: an upper deformation zone with controlled lower rigidity for energy absorption, and a lower portion with higher rigidity for structural integrity. This allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigidity property is locally optimized for different regions. The upper portion has reduced rigidity specifically where impact energy needs to be absorbed, while the lower portion maintains high rigidity where structural support is critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a uniform rigid structure is used throughout the seat back, then manufacturing is simplified, but impact protection effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverear occupant protectionVSAvoidstructural uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seat back frame is divided into multiple segments with different rigidity characteristics. The upper segment includes deformation zones designed for energy absorption, while the lower segment provides structural support. This segmentation can be implemented through separate molding operations or assembly steps, balancing manufacturing feasibility with protective performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure incorporates local variations in rigidity where needed for impact protection, while maintaining relative uniformity in other areas. The deformation zones are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide the necessary energy absorption without requiring complete redesign of the entire seat back structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 impact absorption assembly effectively reduces the force of impact by deforming upon collision, minimizing injury to rear occupants by dissipating energy, thereby enhancing safety in vehicle collisions.