Vehicle Seat Panel Holder With Auxiliary Frame for Crash Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat panels face structural instability and increased stress during crashes due to high forces from seat belts, particularly the lap belt, which existing wire/plastic frame designs fail to adequately support, leading to potential material deformation and destruction.
Innovation Solution
A panel holder system comprising a primary frame directly mounted to the vehicle seat structure and an auxiliary frame connected via a joint, allowing elastic oscillation, with rockers designed to absorb forces by deforming and distributing them across the panel, enhancing support in critical regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a wire frame panel holder is used to support the panel, then the panel can be mounted to the seat structure, but the panel holder does not adequately support critical regions subjected to high crash forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing a specifically designed auxiliary frame with rockers at the critical region of the panel where crash forces act, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire panel holder. This localized reinforcement provides enhanced support exactly where needed while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel holder is segmented into a primary frame for general support and an auxiliary frame with rockers for critical region support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the auxiliary frame specifically designed to handle high crash forces in the critical region.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the panel holder uses a fixed rigid structure, then it provides stable support, but it cannot effectively absorb and dissipate crash forces without causing material deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by replacing the fixed rigid connection with rockers that can oscillate and move. This dynamic design allows the auxiliary frame to absorb crash forces through controlled movement and deformation, then return to its original position, effectively dissipating energy while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rockers are designed in advance to act as cushioning elements that will deform and absorb crash forces before they can cause damage to the panel. The auxiliary frame with rockers serves as a pre-positioned energy absorption system that protects the critical region during crash events.
3Strength
If the auxiliary frame is rigidly connected to the primary frame, then it provides maximum support, but it cannot oscillate to absorb forces parallel to the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the auxiliary frame and primary frame is made dynamic through the rocker mechanism, which can oscillate and adapt its response based on the direction and magnitude of applied forces. This allows the structure to provide strong support while simultaneously absorbing forces through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker connection changes the mechanical parameters of the system by introducing degrees of freedom for movement. This allows the auxiliary frame to adjust its position and orientation in response to crash forces, transforming the rigid support system into an adaptive force-absorbing structure.
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 panel holder system effectively absorbs and dissipates crash forces, preventing material deformation and destruction, ensuring the panel's structural integrity and stability across various force directions.
Implementation Method 1
the auxiliary frame is arranged in a critical region of the panel where a high crash force acts on the panel in the event of a crash
Implementation Method 2
with rockers designed to absorb forces by deforming and distributing them across the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a panel arranged as a trim part on a structure of the vehicle seat by means of a panel holder so as to be fixed to the seat structure. Provision is made that the panel holder includes, in addition to a primary frame, a crash-modified auxiliary frame, which frames are made of formed wires, wherein the auxiliary frame, in the assembled state of the panel holder and the panel, is arranged in a critical region of the panel where a high crash force acts on the panel in the event of a crash.