Vehicle Seat Energy Absorption Disc for Whiplash Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats with energy absorption structures are complex and costly, failing to effectively reduce whiplash injuries during rear-end collisions while providing a simple and affordable solution.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring an energy absorption structure with a cushion side plate and angle adjuster lower connection plate connected by a front bolt and second nut, incorporating an energy absorption disc with a specific cross-sectional area and fracture mechanism, allowing for efficient energy absorption during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing energy absorption structures are used in vehicle seats, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy absorption function from a complex mechanical structure and implements it through a simple disc-shaped component with controlled fracture characteristics. The energy absorption disc is a separate, standalone element that can be easily integrated into the existing seat cushion structure without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption disc is designed as a low-cost, sacrificial component that undergoes controlled fracture during collision to absorb impact energy. The disc is made from inexpensive materials and is intended to be replaced after use, as it serves its primary function during the initial impact event and then becomes structurally compromised.
2Reliability
If existing energy absorption structures are used in vehicle seats, then energy absorption capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption disc is designed as a low-cost, sacrificial component that undergoes controlled fracture during collision to absorb impact energy. The disc is made from inexpensive materials and is intended to be replaced after use, as it serves its primary function during the initial impact event and then becomes structurally compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the energy absorption characteristics by adjusting parameters such as the disc's thickness, diameter, and material properties. By changing these parameters, the same basic disc structure can be optimized for different impact scenarios without requiring fundamentally different designs, thereby reducing development and manufacturing costs.
3Strength
If the step part press-fits tightly with the energy absorption disc, then connection strength is improved, but friction increases affecting movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different regions of the connection interface. The step part has a specific diameter that is larger than the energy absorption disc, creating a localized press-fit connection that provides sufficient strength while maintaining a controlled friction level. The connection is strong enough to transmit forces during normal use but allows controlled movement during impact events.
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 achieves effective energy absorption, reducing head rebound speed and improving passenger safety with a simple structure and low cost, while ensuring stable and adjustable forces, good fatigue resistance, and minimizing frictional influences.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorption disc (3) connected between the cushion side plate (2) and the angle adjuster lower connection plate (1)
Implementation Method 2
a step bolt (4) matched to the energy absorption disc (3), wherein the step bolt (4) penetrates the angle adjuster lower connection plate (1) and presses the energy absorption disc (3) between the step part (42) of the step bolt (4) and the cushion side plate (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 4C~5A
AI summary
The present invention provides a vehicle seat with an energy absorption structure, including a cushion side plate and an angle adjuster lower connection plate, wherein an impact groove is provided on the angle adjuster lower connection plate, and the impact groove includes a straight groove part and a circular groove part communicating each other from top to bottom, wherein the vehicle seat further includes an energy absorption disc including an annular part, a position part and impact fracture parts connected between the annular part and the position part; a first nut securely coupling to the cushion side plate; and a step bolt including a head part, a step part and a stud which are coaxially connected in sequence, the stud passes through the circular groove part, the annular part and threads to the first nut to make the step part passing through the circular groove part and press-fitting with the energy absorption disc. The vehicle seat of the present invention has simple structure, convenient installation, and can absorb energy during collision so as to reduce the head rebound speed during the vehicle collision and protect passengers, thereby improving vehicle safety level.