Vehicle Seat Pivoting Stop Mechanism for Crash Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seating systems fail to provide adequate structural support to absorb crash forces effectively when integrated seat belt assemblies are used, leading to potential injury and non-compliance with safety standards, while previous solutions resulted in bulky, heavy, or costly designs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight vehicle seating system incorporating a pivoting stop mechanism that couples the seat frame to the seat base, using stop brackets and a suspension rod to limit undesirable pivoting rotation and allow adjustable tilting within a predetermined range, enhancing structural integrity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seat frame is made stronger to protect occupants during collision, then safety is improved, but the seat becomes bulky, heavy, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting stop mechanism segments the safety function by separating the load-bearing structure from the tilting mechanism. The stop bracket and rod assembly create a distinct structural element that engages only under crash conditions, allowing the seat frame to remain lightweight during normal operation while providing strength when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting stop mechanism transitions from a non-load-bearing to load-bearing state dynamically. During normal tilting, the mechanism remains disengaged and lightweight; during crash conditions, it engages to provide structural support, enabling the seat to adapt its strength characteristics based on operational state.
2Reliability
If the seat frame is made stronger to protect occupants during collision, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the safety function into a separate pivoting stop mechanism, the main seat frame can be manufactured with standard lightweight materials and processes. The stop mechanism itself uses simple, cost-effective components (brackets and rods) that can be produced independently and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting stop mechanism acts as an intermediary structural element that provides crash protection without requiring the entire seat frame to be heavily reinforced. This mediator approach allows use of economical materials and manufacturing processes for both the frame and the stop mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a tilt mechanism is added to allow seat adjustment, then comfort is improved, but the risk of excessive pivoting under load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting stop mechanism provides preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning stop brackets and rods to prevent excessive pivoting before it can occur. The mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the seat frame approaches the predetermined angular limit, counteracting the tilting motion and maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting stop mechanism provides mechanical feedback through the engagement of stop brackets and rods. When the seat frame reaches the predetermined angular range, the mechanism physically contacts and signals the limit, preventing further tilting and ensuring stable operation within safe parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat system and method in which a seat belt restraint assembly is secured directly to the seat. The vehicle seat system includes a seat frame and a seat base that supports the seat frame. The system includes a first stop operating at rear portions of the seat base and seat frame to couple the seat base and seat frame and to limit forward pivoting movement of the seat frame upon sudden deceleration. The system may also include a second stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the seat frame. The coupling of the seat base and seat frame provides the seat system with sufficient strength to satisfy load testing requirements and to provide comfort to the occupant. The vehicle system may include a tilt adjustment mechanism that allows tilting of the seat frame and that may also form part of a cushion slide mechanism.