Vehicle Seat Impact Protector Viscoelastic Foam Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side impact protection systems for vehicle seats, particularly child safety seats, are often bulky, require complex assembly, and may not be suitable for central seating configurations, as they typically involve separate fastening elements and materials that do not seamlessly integrate with the seat structure, leading to potential loss and assembly challenges.
Innovation Solution
A seat component with a double-shell structure featuring a holding recess and impact protection made of viscoelastic foam, which is securely locked in place without additional fasteners, using a form-fitting mechanism that includes a constriction and collar for captive attachment, allowing for easy assembly and enhanced shock absorption during side impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional side impact protection systems are used, then impact protection is provided, but the assembly becomes complex and the structure becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The impact protection is integrated directly into the seat component structure, merging the protective function with the existing seat architecture. This eliminates separate fastening elements and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining protective reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary fastening elements and complex assembly mechanisms from conventional side impact protection systems, retaining only the essential protective structure that can be directly integrated into the seat component
2Reliability
If conventional side impact protection systems are used, then impact protection is provided, but the system may not be suitable for central seating configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated impact protection design serves multiple seating configurations including side seating and central seating arrangements. The structure is universally applicable across different vehicle interior layouts without requiring modification or additional fastening elements
3Reliability
If conventional side impact protection systems are used, then impact protection is provided, but additional fastening elements are required leading to potential loss
Solution Approach 1:
The impact protection structure is merged with the seat component itself, eliminating separate fastening elements. The protective structure becomes an integral part of the seat, preventing loss of fastening components while maintaining protective reliability
4Reliability
If conventional side impact protection systems are used, then impact protection is provided, but the materials do not seamlessly integrate with the seat structure
Solution Approach 1:
The impact protection is merged into the seat component structure with seamless integration. The protective structure and seat structure form a unified design without visible discontinuities or separate material interfaces, maintaining both structural integrity and aesthetic continuity
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 provides effective side impact protection that is easy to attach, reduces the risk of loss, and effectively absorbs impact forces, enhancing occupant safety without the need for complex assembly or additional fastening elements, while maintaining a compact design suitable for various seating configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an impact body (32) made of a shock-absorbing material, in particular a viscoelastic foam
Implementation Method 2
the impact body (32) having a foam material... effectively absorbs impact forces
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an impact protector (30) and a seat component (28) with a wall section (34) having a retaining recess (36), and with an impact protector (30) having an impact body (32) made of a shock-absorbing material and a retaining section (40), and which can be positively locked and securely locked in the retaining recess (36) via the retaining section (40). The disclosure further relates to a vehicle seat (10, 110, 210) and a child seat (10) for use in vehicles.