Deployable Seat Restraint Panel for Oblique Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a vehicle impact, occupants may experience head excursion due to their momentum causing them to lean and slide obliquely inboard relative to the seat, potentially leading to contact with the center console, which existing restraints fail to effectively absorb energy and prevent from impacting other occupants or vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A deployable restraint system from the seatback to the seatbottom, featuring a cable mechanism with a panel and pulley system, which deploys to absorb energy and retain the occupant, preventing oblique movement and reducing head excursion by providing coverage during far-side oblique impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing restraints are used, then the seat provides basic occupant support, but the restraints fail to effectively absorb energy and prevent head excursion during far-side oblique impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint panel transitions from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration dynamically in response to impact forces. The panel is initially concealed within the seatback but automatically deploys during far-side oblique impacts to provide active protection against head excursion and contact with the center console.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system is divided into distinct functional segments: a cable mechanism for force transmission, a pulley system for directional control, and a panel for occupant coverage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the head excursion problem.
2Reliability
If a deployable restraint system with cable and panel is implemented, then energy absorption and occupant retention improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint panel serves multiple functions: it acts as an energy-absorbing barrier during impacts, provides geometric coverage to guide occupant motion, and integrates with the existing seat structure through the cable and pulley mechanisms. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive protection against head excursion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the restraint panel is deployed to cover the occupant's torso and upper leg, then head excursion is reduced, but the system requires additional space and structural modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint panel is nested within the seatback structure in its stowed configuration, utilizing the existing seatback volume to house the panel when not in use. During deployment, the panel extends outward to provide coverage, then returns to its nested position, effectively using the seatback as a storage compartment for the restraint mechanism.
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 restraint system effectively retains the occupant on the seat, absorbs energy, and reduces the risk of head excursion by deploying to cover the occupant's torso and upper leg, thereby preventing impact with other components during far-side oblique collisions.
Implementation Method 1
The restraint may include a cable deployable from the seatback to the deployed position. The cable in the deployed position may include a first portion extending along and fixed to one of the seatback and the seat bottom and a second portion extending transverse to the seatback and the seat bottom.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat includes a seat bottom and a seatback. A seatbelt buckle is supported by the seat bottom. A restraint is deployable from the seatback to a deployed position and in the deployed position includes a first edge extending along the seatback, a second edge extending along the seat bottom, and a third edge extending from the first edge to the second edge. The restraint is disposed outboard of the seatbelt buckle relative to the seat bottom.