Autonomous Vehicle Seat Rotation Mechanism with Collision Load Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seats lack a rotation function, which is necessary for autonomous vehicles, and existing rotation structures are prone to failure during collisions due to disconnection of load paths and concentration of impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A seat rotating device for autonomous vehicles featuring a floor panel with load path members, a rotatable seat base with a circular cylindrical shape, a mounting base with a bearing ball system to reduce friction, and a restraint module to limit rotation angles, ensuring stable seat rotation and load path connectivity during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotation structure is inserted into the lower end portion of the seat, then the seat can rotate, but the structure becomes excessively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation structure is divided into separate components: a rotation unit with a rotating member and a support unit with supporting members. The rotating member rotates relative to the supporting members, allowing the seat to rotate without requiring a complex integrated structure at the lower end portion. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the rotation function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one column supports the entire seat for rotation, then rotation is achieved, but the column breaks during collision or load paths disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single column to support the entire seat, the patent divides the support into multiple supporting members that are distributed across the floor panel. The rotating member rotates relative to these multiple supporting members, which prevents concentration of load on a single point and maintains structural integrity during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting members are strategically positioned at different locations on the floor panel to optimize load distribution. The rotation unit is designed with specific local characteristics at the rotation point, allowing rotation while maintaining strong connections to the floor panel for collision resistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is fixed to the floor panel, then stability is maintained, but the seat cannot rotate
Solution Approach 1:
The seat structure transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic rotating connection. The rotating member is connected to the supporting members through a rotation mechanism that allows controlled movement while maintaining stable support. The bearing surface between the rotating member and supporting members provides stable rotation with maintained connection to the floor panel.
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
Enables stable rotation of front seats in autonomous vehicles while maintaining load path connectivity during collisions, preventing seat interference with other seat operations and ensuring the seat remains fixed in a rotated position.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing ball installed between the seat base and the mounting base to reduce friction between the seat base and the mounting base
Data Source
AI summary
A seat rotating device of an autonomous vehicle is provided. The device includes a floor panel on which a plurality of members configuring load paths during a collision are formed. A rotating unit is rotatably installed on the floor panel while supporting a seat and integrally rotates with the seat, and connects the load paths with the members formed on the floor panel.