Seat Back Locking Mechanism for Submarining Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in vehicles are at risk of submarining under restraining devices when reclined, as existing systems fail to effectively manage seat recline angles during collisions, leading to increased injury risk.
Innovation Solution
A submarining avoidance system that includes a locking mechanism preventing the seat back from reclining beyond a predefined angle unless a secondary restraining device is activated, which can be a three-point or multi-point harness, and is integrated with sensors and actuators to control seat rotation based on passenger restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat back is allowed to recline freely, then passenger comfort and convenience are improved, but the risk of submarining under the restraining device increases during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic state-changing design. It automatically switches between locked and unlocked states based on whether the restraining device is detected as worn, allowing the seat back to be restricted during non-restrained conditions while permitting full recline when properly restrained
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect whether the restraining device is worn and provide feedback to the locking mechanism. This feedback loop enables the locking mechanism to automatically adjust its state (locked or unlocked) based on the detected condition, creating a responsive safety system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent submarining, then passenger safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The locking mechanism is merged with the seat assembly, sensors are integrated into the restraining device or seat structure, and the control system unifies detection and actuation functions, reducing overall system complexity despite adding safety functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates autonomously based on sensor detection without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by automatically locking or unlocking based on whether the restraining device is worn, eliminating the need for complex manual control interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to reducing the likelihood of injury to a passenger in a collision. In one example, a system for reducing the likelihood of a passenger submarining, may include a restraining device for restraining the passenger. A second restraining device for further restraining the passenger may also be included in the system. A locking mechanism may be configured to prevent a seat back from reclining when the second restraining device is not activated.