Vehicle Seat Support Member With Passive Fluid-Release Load Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs fail to effectively absorb and dissipate loads during high acceleration or deceleration events, such as collisions, while maintaining comfort during normal use.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically responsive support member comprising a resilient compressible material with interconnected open pores and a bladder having apertures that control fluid release based on pressure differentials, providing varying compression resistance to manage loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional vehicle seat cushion is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it fails to effectively absorb and dissipate loads during high acceleration or deceleration events
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cushion is segmented into multiple functional layers: a fluid-filled bladder system with controlled aperture, a compressible support body with open pores, and a cover layer. Each layer performs a specific function in the load absorption sequence, with the bladder providing initial fluid resistance and the support body providing progressive compression resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines dissimilar materials with complementary properties: an elastomeric or rubber bladder material for fluid containment, a porous compressible material (such as foam) for progressive compression, and a permeable or impermeable cover material. This composite structure enables both comfort during normal use and effective load absorption during collisions.
2Strength
If a hard support structure is used, then occupant restraint during high loads is improved, but comfort during normal use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static design to a dynamic system where the bladder aperture controls fluid flow resistance based on pressure differential. During normal use, fluid flows freely through the aperture providing soft support; during high-load events, the pressure differential restricts fluid flow, dynamically increasing compression resistance without requiring active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the support structure in response to load conditions. The bladder aperture geometry (size, shape, orientation) is specifically designed to maintain fluid flow under normal pressure conditions while restricting flow when pressure differential exceeds a threshold, thereby changing the effective compression resistance parameter based on operational conditions.
3Loss of energy
If a fluid-filled bladder with aperture is used, then load dissipation during collision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder system is designed to be self-regulating without external control mechanisms. The aperture geometry and fluid viscosity are selected such that the system automatically adjusts fluid flow resistance based on the pressure differential generated during compression. No sensors, actuators, or control systems are required - the physics of fluid flow through the aperture provides automatic energy dissipation proportional to the collision severity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by filling the bladder with fluid (such as silicone oil or glycerin) that provides viscous resistance to compression. The fluid's viscosity and the aperture's geometry create a pressure-dependent flow resistance that dissipates kinetic energy during collision while maintaining comfort during normal use. This pneumatic-hydraulic approach replaces complex mechanical shock absorption mechanisms.
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 support member enhances occupant safety by restraining movement during high loads and maintains comfort during normal use by adjusting to different load conditions without electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one aperture in the bladder is configured to passively control and limit the rate of fluid release from the bladder in response to a pressure differential between the fluid in the interior chamber of the bladder and that in the ambient environment
Implementation Method 2
The support body is made of a resilient compressible material having interconnected open pores
Implementation Method 3
The support body is made of a resilient compressible material
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant support structure of a vehicle defines an occupant support surface configured to contact and support an occupant of the vehicle and includes a dynamically responsive support member positioned adjacent the occupant support surface such that forces exerted on the occupant support surface are transferred to the support member. The support member includes a bladder and a support body encapsulated in an interior chamber defined by the bladder. The support body is made of a resilient compressible material having interconnected open pores. The bladder includes an aperture that provides a passage for fluid communication between the interior chamber thereof and an ambient environment. The aperture in the bladder is configured to passively control and limit the rate of fluid release from the bladder in response to a pressure differential between the fluid in the interior chamber of the bladder and that in the ambient environment.