Vehicle Seat Backrest Pivoting to Prevent Submarining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seats in vehicles do not effectively prevent passengers from submarining under the seat belt during a head-on collision when in a resting or lying position, leading to inadequate support for the chest and abdominal organs, which results in abrupt shifting during braking acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design where the backrest is connected to the vehicle structure via a tensile force transmission element that pivots upward about a transverse axis during a collision, maintaining a constant angle between the seat part and backrest, and incorporating an energy absorption device to limit braking acceleration and provide support to the passenger's posterior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the backrest and seat part are brought into a resting or lying position, then passenger comfort is improved, but the risk of submarining under the seat belt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by equipping the seat with a collision detection system that anticipates the submarining hazard before it occurs. Upon detecting a collision, the system preemptively activates the backrest pivot mechanism to rotate the backrest and deploy the support element, creating an abutment that prevents the passenger body from sliding forward under the seat belt. This preliminary response counteracts the harmful effect before it can fully develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the support element and pivot mechanism in readiness. The backrest is designed with a pivot axis and associated actuators that are already in place during normal operation. When collision is detected, these pre-configured components immediately execute the protective movement, eliminating delays that would occur with systems requiring assembly or activation from a dormant state.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the seat is designed to pivot upward during collision, then support against submarining is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seat system into functionally independent modules: the seat pan, the backrest with its own pivot mechanism, and the support element. This modular segmentation allows the backrest to be controlled independently from the seat pan, enabling the specific protective movement without requiring complex integration of the entire seat structure. Each segment can be optimized and controlled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning the backrest from a static component to a dynamically controllable element. The backrest is equipped with a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate about a transverse axis in response to collision detection. This dynamic capability enables the backrest to adapt its position during collision, providing active support to prevent submarining rather than relying on fixed structural design.
3Reliability
If the backrest is connected to vehicle structure by tensile force transmission element, then collision response is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a tensile force transmission element as a mediator between the backrest and the vehicle structure. This element serves as an intermediate component that transmits collision forces from the vehicle structure to the backrest, enabling controlled movement and support during collision. The intermediary element simplifies the force transmission path and provides a clear mechanical interface for assembly.
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
Prevents submarining under the seat belt and provides effective support to the passenger's body by maintaining the seat's angle and limiting the braking acceleration, thereby reducing the risk of injury from sudden organ shifts during a collision.
Implementation Method 1
the backrest is connected, or can be connected, to the vehicle structure by a tensile force transmission element
Implementation Method 2
incorporating an energy absorption device to limit braking acceleration and provide support to the passenger's posterior
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat for attaching to a vehicle structure of a vehicle has a seat part and a backrest. The vehicle seat is movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in relation to the vehicle structure and adjustable into a resting or lying seat position. In the event of a collision, the vehicle seat with the seat part is or can be pivoted upwards along an axis extending parallel to the vehicle transverse direction, with a front region facing away from the back rest. The backrest, at least in the resting or lying position, is or can be connected to the vehicle structure of a tensile force transmission element.