Seat Back Structure Impact Absorption via Slit Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat back structures in vehicles do not effectively absorb impacts from luggage stored in the trunk, as the deformation mechanism requires direct and strong collisions to function, limiting the absorption of impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A seat back structure featuring a side frame with a slit as a vulnerable portion that deforms upon impact, combined with non-joining portions in the panel material that also absorb impact, allowing for easier deformation and enhanced impact absorption, even when the luggage collides with the panel material rather than the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid hinge mechanism is used to support the seat back, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to absorb impact from luggage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The side frame is divided into multiple sections with vulnerable portions (slits) created at specific locations. This segmentation allows the frame to deform in a controlled manner during impact, absorbing energy while maintaining overall structural integrity. The slits create hinge-like regions that enable localized deformation without compromising the entire frame strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The side frame's physical parameters are modified by introducing vulnerable portions with different geometric characteristics. These slits change the stiffness and deformation characteristics of the frame, allowing it to transition from a completely rigid structure to one that can undergo controlled deformation to absorb impact energy.
2Loss of energy
If the vulnerable portion is positioned lower on the side frame, then the deformation mechanism works well for direct frame collisions, but the impact absorption is insufficient when luggage collides with the panel material
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable portion is positioned asymmetrically on the side frame, specifically on the inner side rather than the outer side. This asymmetric positioning optimizes the deformation mechanism for different collision scenarios, allowing the panel material to deform effectively when luggage collides with it, while still providing impact absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel material acts as an intermediary between the luggage and the side frame. By positioning the vulnerable portion on the inner side of the side frame, the panel material can deform first during collision, transferring the impact force to the side frame's vulnerable portion, which then deforms to absorb the energy.
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 structure effectively absorbs impact forces by allowing the side frame and panel material to deform, reducing the likelihood of the seat back tilting excessively and enhancing safety during collisions, while maintaining a secure lock to the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
a first vulnerable portion which is formed in the side frame and which deforms when a load from an impact is applied
Implementation Method 2
the panel material includes a non-joining portion which is formed as a concave with relation to the frame material and which is not joined to the frame material, and the non-joining portion is to be a second vulnerable portion which is to be a point of origin where the panel material deforms when the load from the impact is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A seat back structure includes, a seat back frame which includes a panel material and a frame material joined with the panel material; a side frame which is included in the frame material and which is positioned in at least one edge side in a width direction of the panel material; and a first vulnerable portion which is formed in the side frame and which deforms when a load from an impact is applied. The first vulnerable portion is a slit formed by cutting out the side frame in a horizontal direction.