Vehicle Seat Backrest Dynamics for Whiplash Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seats lack effective mechanisms to reduce the impact speed of the head during rear-end collisions, leading to potential whiplash injuries due to inadequate support and rebound of head restraints.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a base plate with a slot and a deformable link plate that absorbs impact energy by allowing the backrest to adjust counter to the impact force, combined with a ramp-shaped drive element and optionally two buckling link plates, to minimize head acceleration and prevent undesirable rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the backrest is rigidly connected to the seat part, then the structural stability is improved, but the impact energy during rear-end collision cannot be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the backrest and seat part is transformed from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The slot in the base plate allows the backrest to move relative to the seat part during impact, enabling the system to adapt to collision forces while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable link plate is pre-configured to deform under impact loads, absorbing collision energy before it can be transmitted to the occupant. This energy absorption mechanism is built into the structure in advance, ready to activate during rear-end collisions.
2Loss of energy
If the backrest is allowed to move freely during impact, then the impact energy can be absorbed, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the backrest and seat part is transformed from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The slot in the base plate allows the backrest to move relative to the seat part during impact, enabling the system to adapt to collision forces while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: the base plate with slot, the deformable link plate, and the fastening means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the slot provides movement freedom, the link plate absorbs energy through deformation, and the fastening means maintains structural connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fastening means are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the tolerance compensation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the backrest and seat part is transformed from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The slot in the base plate allows the backrest to move relative to the seat part during impact, enabling the system to adapt to collision forces while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the passage opening is changed from a circular hole to a slot shape. This parameter change allows the fastening means to accommodate tolerance variations in horizontal direction while maintaining precise vertical positioning, thus compensating for manufacturing tolerances without complicating the manufacturing process.
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 reduces the speed of head impact and minimizes whiplash injuries by absorbing impact energy through controlled backrest adjustment and energy absorption, providing a more rigid connection and reducing the risk of backrest rotation during rear impacts.
Implementation Method 1
By means of an energy absorption element in the form of a deformable link plate, the impact energy produced during the impact of the vehicle occupant on the backrest is in this case at least partially absorbed
Implementation Method 2
a ramp-shaped drive element is provided, said drive element engaging in the deformable link plate and contributing to the at least partial absorption of the impact energy produced during the impact of the vehicle occupant
Implementation Method 3
two link plates which are able to deform, in particular able to buckle, may be provided, said link plates at least partially absorbing the impact energy produced in the event of an impact of the vehicle occupant on the backrest
Implementation Method 4
the base plate receiving the adjustment mechanism is provided with a slot which, in the event of an impact on the rear of the vehicle or the rear of a vehicle driving in front, due to the inertia of a vehicle occupant sitting on the vehicle seat, causes the backrest to be adjusted to a limited extent counter to the direction of the impact force
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat part and a backrest, wherein the seat part and the backrest can be adjusted relative to one another by an adjustment mechanism, wherein a base plate which holds the adjustment mechanism is provided, wherein the base plate has at least two passage openings through which the base plate is connected to the seat part by fasteners, wherein one of the passage openings is in the form of an elongate hole.