Vehicle Seat Console Force-Limiting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat protection systems are inadequate in reducing occupant loads during collisions when in reclining or semi-reclining positions, as they require complex constructions and costly sensors to decouple the self-locking longitudinal adjustment device.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat console with a force-limiting device between the seat-mounted and vehicle-mounted guide elements, featuring a deformation portion that deforms above a predefined force threshold, allowing relative movement and converting kinetic energy into deformation energy, thereby reducing occupant loads without the need for sensor-activated decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-locking longitudinal adjustment device with spindle drive is provided in the vehicle seat console, then the seat position can be adjusted and held firmly, but the device cannot permit relative movement during collision without complex construction and additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting element changes its mechanical properties (from rigid to deformable) when the applied force exceeds a predefined threshold. This parameter change allows the element to transition from maintaining seat position stability during normal use to permitting relative movement during collision, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity without requiring sensors or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-limiting element introduces dynamic behavior to the otherwise static self-locking adjustment device. By incorporating a deformable element that can yield under excessive force, the system automatically adapts its stiffness characteristic based on loading conditions, enabling relative movement during collision while maintaining position stability during normal operation.
2Force
If a force-limiting device with considerable trigger force is used to take up kinetic energy, then the device can protect against collision loads, but the force required may be undesirably high for a person in resting or reclining position
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting element is designed with non-uniform cross-section or material properties along its length, creating different deformation characteristics in different regions. This allows the element to provide high force resistance for collision protection while having a lower force threshold for initiating deformation, thereby reducing the harmful effect on occupants without compromising collision safety.
3Loss of energy
If the longitudinal adjustment device is decoupled to permit relative displaceability during collision, then kinetic energy can be reduced, but additional sensors and complex construction are required
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting element is designed to automatically initiate deformation when the applied force exceeds a predefined threshold, without requiring external sensing or control systems. The element itself serves as both the force-sensing mechanism and the energy-absorbing mechanism, thereby achieving kinetic energy reduction while avoiding additional sensors and complex construction.
4Loss of energy
If a deformation portion with slit and displacement body is provided in the force-limiting element, then the element can deform above predefined force threshold to reduce kinetic energy, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting element is divided into distinct functional regions: a deformation portion with a slit for controlled deformation, and a displacement body for maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manufacturable.
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 solution effectively limits occupant loads during collisions by allowing relative movement between the vehicle seat and chassis, reducing kinetic energy through deformation, thus ensuring adequate protection without the need for additional sensors or complex constructions.
Implementation Method 1
The force-limiting element has a deformation portion which deforms when acted upon by a force above a predefined force threshold value and which has a through-opening with a slit originating therefrom and extending in the longitudinal direction of the force-limiting device
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat console includes at least one vehicle-side guide element and at least one seat-side guide element arranged parallel to the vehicle-side guide element. A length-adjustment device, which is acted on by a drive device and which is designed to bring about a relative displacement between the vehicle-side guide element and the seat-side guide element, is designed such that the length-adjustment device is provided between the seat-side guide element and a force-limiting apparatus, which is in turn coupled to the vehicle-side guide element.