Vehicle Seat Damping Mechanism for Rebound Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Armored vehicle seats face significant challenges in protecting occupants from the severe shocks caused by mine or IED explosions, which can lead to injuries due to excessive acceleration and rebound forces after the seat releases from its stop.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a pivotal mounting system with a calibrated first stop for releasing the seat beyond its unfolded position, combined with a damping mechanism using a yoke and inclined plates to absorb and control the seat's movement, thereby reducing rebound forces and providing enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the seat includes a damping mechanism to control rebound, then residual forces are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a damper element with a specific shape, a damping surface, and a connection structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity. The damper element can be a separate replaceable component, simplifying maintenance and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding complex active control systems to manage rebound, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive damping mechanism that relies on friction and mechanical deformation. The damping surface and damper element work together through simple contact and rubbing, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control electronics, thus reducing device complexity while still effectively controlling residual forces
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 seat effectively limits the forces exerted on the occupant during and after the explosion, preventing injuries from both initial shock and subsequent seat rebound, while allowing for adjustable damping characteristics to suit varying operational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the blade(s) and the inclined profile(s) forming the means for damping the stroke of the seat
Implementation Method 2
at least one blade cooperating during the pivoting of the seat with at least one surface having an inclined profile interfering with the blade during the pivoting movement, thus causing the blade to bend
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a seat (1) for a vehicle, comprising a seat base (2) mounted such that it pivots in relation to at least one stationary support (3), between a folded position in which it is substantially vertical and a deployed position in which it presses against at least one first abutment (8b) and is substantially horizontal, said seat base cooperating with the at least one stationary support by a means that ensures the release of the at least one first abutment and the pivoting of the seat base past the deployed position, in the event of a force of a pre-determined level. Said seat is characterised in that it comprises at least one means (12,18a) for damping the course of the seat base once the at least one first abutment (8b) has been released.