Deployable Seat Frame Brace Against Seatback Forward Pivoting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seatbelt systems in vehicles do not adequately resist the forward movement of the seatback during certain vehicle impacts, which can compromise occupant safety.
Innovation Solution
A deployable seat frame brace system that includes a back link and an actuator, which moves between a stowed and deployed configuration to resist the forward movement of the seatback, activated by a processor in response to vehicle impacts and seatbelt engagement, using pyrotechnic, solenoid, or hydraulic actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional seatbelt system is used, then the seatbelt can restrain the occupant, but it cannot adequately resist the forward movement of the seatback during vehicle impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frame brace is pre-positioned in a stowed configuration within the seat structure, ready for deployment before impact occurs. The actuator system is pre-assembled and positioned to rapidly deploy the brace when triggered by impact sensors, providing immediate structural reinforcement to resist seatback forward movement during the critical impact phase
Solution Approach 2:
The seat frame brace is divided into multiple segments including a first portion, second portion, third portion, and fourth portion that can deploy independently or in sequence. This segmentation allows the brace to adapt to different impact scenarios and provides flexible deployment patterns to effectively counteract various方向的 forces applied to the seatback
2Strength
If a deployable seat frame brace with actuator is added, then the resistance to forward movement of seatback is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is integrated with the seat frame structure, merging the deployment mechanism into the existing seat framework. The first and second portions of the brace are coupled to form a unified deployable structure that combines structural support and deployment functions, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The seat frame brace portions are designed to nest within each other or within the seat structure when in the stowed configuration. The first portion, second portion, third portion, and fourth portion can be arranged in a compact nested formation that minimizes space requirements and simplifies the visual complexity of the seat structure in its normal operating state
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 preventing the seatback from pivoting forward during impacts, maintaining the seat's structural integrity and reducing potential injury risks.
Implementation Method 1
using pyrotechnic, solenoid, or hydraulic actuators
Implementation Method 2
using pyrotechnic, solenoid, or hydraulic actuators
Implementation Method 3
using pyrotechnic, solenoid, or hydraulic actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a seat bottom having a seat bottom frame and a seatback having a seatback frame pivotably supported by the seat bottom frame. The system also includes a seat frame brace movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The seat frame brace includes a back link having a first end portion and a second end portion coupled to the seatback frame. An actuator is coupled to the seat bottom frame and operative to move the first end portion in a seat rearward direction to position the seat frame brace in the deployed configuration.