Vehicle Seat Lifter Structure for Pelvis Fixation in Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seats with lifter mechanisms for adjusting seating position may compromise frame member strength and fail to consider occupant posture and load during collisions, especially in self-driving vehicles where occupants assume comfortable rearward inclinations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design that couples frame members with rods to maintain strength and includes a drive unit to adjust the seat position, incorporating a lifter cross member and spring cross member to support the seat cushion, allowing for safe occupant posture changes during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frame members are configured to be inclinable and rotatable to enable comfortable posture adjustment, then adaptability for self-driving posture is improved, but supporting strength of frame members deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frame is divided into multiple independent members (seat cushion frame member, seat back frame member, lifter cross member, spring cross member) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The lifter cross member and spring cross member can change position and orientation to accommodate different postures (driving position, comfortable position, collision protection), enabling the frame to adapt while maintaining strength through controlled movement.
2Reliability
If the seat is positioned at a low position to secure pelvis fixation during collisions, then collision safety is improved, but comfortable resting posture is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seat height and backrest angle are dynamically adjustable through the lifter and spring mechanisms. The system can transition between a low fixed position for collision protection and a higher inclined position for comfortable resting, allowing optimization for different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat can be pre-positioned in a comfortable resting posture before a collision occurs. In the event of a collision, the system quickly transitions to the low fixed position for pelvis fixation, having already established the comfortable configuration during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lifter mechanism is installed to adjust seating position, then seating position adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter mechanism integrates multiple functions into a unified system. The lifter cross member and spring cross member work together to simultaneously control seat height adjustment and provide structural support, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members serve multiple functions: the lifter cross member both adjusts seat position and provides structural support during collisions, while the spring cross member simultaneously enables smooth motion and acts as a safety component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
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 ensures secure fixation of the occupant's pelvis during collisions, reducing impact loads by adjusting the seat to a low position, maintaining a comfortable resting posture, and preventing sliding, while ensuring frame strength and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The spring cross member is liftably provided on a vehicle lower side of the lifter cross member. The spring cross member extends in the vehicle width direction. The spring cross member is coupled to the seat surface spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion on which n occupant is to be seated; and a seat back that is configured to support a back of the occupant. The seat cushion includes: a seat surface that is configured to support a pelvis to thighs of the occupant; a seat surface frame that forms a frame of the seat cushion; a seat surface spring that is coupled to the seat surface frame on a vehicle front side and supports the seat surface; a lifter cross member that extends in a vehicle width direction on a vehicle rear side of the seat cushion and is configured to lift up and down the seat back and the seat cushion; and a spring cross member that is liftably provided on a vehicle lower side of the lifter cross member, extends in the vehicle width direction, and is coupled to the seat surface spring.