Vehicle Seat Assembly Energy Absorbing Securing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Armored military vehicles lack effective energy absorption mechanisms to protect occupants from explosive forces, leading to potential injuries due to rigid armor that does not deform to absorb energy, and conventional safety systems are not compatible with the space-efficient configurations of these vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A securing system and seat assembly that incorporate energy-absorbing devices, including a first energy-absorbing device that moves in response to force magnitude and a second device that deforms plastically to absorb additional forces, integrated with a modular securing system allowing for concurrent movement with the vehicle and easy attachment/detachment, reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid armor is used to protect occupants, then structural integrity is improved, but energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into multiple independent components: a rigid seat structure for structural integrity, and separate energy-absorbing devices (first and second energy-absorbing devices) that deform independently during impact. This segmentation allows the rigid portions to maintain strength while the dedicated energy-absorbing portions dissipate impact energy through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy-absorbing devices are pre-configured with deformation characteristics designed to activate at specific impact force thresholds. The first energy-absorbing device is calibrated to deform at lower impact levels, while the second energy-absorbing device activates at higher impact levels, providing progressive cushioning before the full force of an explosion reaches the occupant.
2Reliability
If conventional safety systems are installed, then occupant protection is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-absorbing devices are integrated directly into the seat assembly structure rather than being separate safety systems. The first energy-absorbing device is coupled to the seat back, and the second energy-absorbing device is integrated with the first, creating a unified seat structure that combines seating function with impact protection in a space-efficient manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the occupant, absorbs impact energy through the energy-absorbing devices, and maintains space efficiency through integrated design. The same structural components that form the seat also serve as the energy-absorbing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate safety system volumes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular securing system is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is segmented into modular components: a mount for attachment to the vehicle, an interface member spaced from the mount, and a coupler that can be selectively attached or detached. This segmentation allows different seat assemblies to be configured on different vehicle platforms by simply changing the mount-interface-coupler arrangement, while each module remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is designed to be selectively movable between a first position where it secures the coupler and a second position where the coupler can be removed. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same securing system to adapt between installed and removed states, and potentially between different configuration states, without requiring complex locking mechanisms or permanent attachments.
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
Enhances occupant safety by absorbing explosive forces, reducing the risk of injury, while maintaining space efficiency and allowing for adaptable configuration to various vehicle types without complete replacement of seat assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
A first energy absorbing device operatively attached to the seat back moves concurrently with the seat back between a rest position and an attenuated position. The first energy absorbing device absorbs at least a portion of a force exerted on the vehicle, moves from the rest position to the attenuated position in response the force reaching a first magnitude
Implementation Method 2
A second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device and deforms to absorb at least a portion of the force when the force exceeds a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude
Data Source
AI summary
A securing system for supporting an object within a vehicle and for translating forces occurring therebetween. The system includes a component adapted to support the object within the vehicle, a mount adapted for attachment to the vehicle for concurrent movement with the vehicle, and an interface member operatively attached to and spaced from the mount. A coupler is operatively attached to one of the component and the interface member, and a receiver is operatively attached to the other of the component and the interface member. The receiver is selectively movable between a first position where the receiver secures the coupler for concurrent movement therewith and a second position where the coupler can be removed from the receiver. A translation module is interposed in force-translating relationship between the mount and the interface member to support the component when the coupler is secured to the receiver in the first position.