Vehicle Seat Support Device with Web-Like Expansion Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for vehicle seats suffer from material fatigue and reduced spring effect over time due to constant stress in expansion areas, leading to inadequate support during both normal driving and extreme load situations.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a one-piece flat support part featuring web-like surface sections and predetermined separation points, which allow expansion in the surface plane, combined with expansion limiters and fastening means designed to absorb typical forces and prevent excessive stretching, ensuring reliable long-term function and enhanced spring effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If expansion areas with protruding beads are provided on the support part to increase spring effect, then the spring effect is improved, but the beads are constantly stressed leading to material fatigue and reduced long-term function
Solution Approach 1:
The support part is divided into a rigid base structure and separate expansion elements (beads) that can yield independently. The beads are segmented along the expansion lines, allowing them to deform and absorb stress without compromising the overall structural integrity of the support part.
Solution Approach 2:
The beads are pre-positioned along predetermined expansion lines in areas where stress concentration is expected. This beforehand placement of cushioning elements allows the support part to accommodate extreme loads by enabling controlled expansion at these pre-situated weak points, preventing unexpected structural failure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support part is made rigid to provide stable support, then stability is improved, but the ability to expand and absorb extreme loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support part exhibits different mechanical properties in different regions: the base structure maintains high rigidity for stable support, while specific localized areas (along expansion lines) contain beads with lower rigidity that enable expansion. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous achievement of stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support part transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system capable of controlled deformation. The beads act as dynamic elements that remain inactive during normal use but activate during extreme loads, allowing the structure to adapt its stiffness based on loading conditions.
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 device effectively absorbs forces up to 1000 Newton and provides increased freedom of movement during extreme events like rear impacts, reducing the distance between the occupant's head and headrest by allowing the support part to stretch, while maintaining secure occupancy through controlled expansion and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
predetermined separation point in a web-like surface section of the support part for yielding of the predetermined separation point in the direction of expansion
Implementation Method 2
the support part is stretched in the surface plane by a predetermined amount in any load case
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In a supporting device for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, comprising at least one planar supporting part and a plurality of fastening means arranged on the supporting part, wherein the supporting part has at least one region of extent for an extent in at least one direction in the surface plane of the supporting part, it is provided that the supporting part which is of planar design has web-like surface sections (6), and that the at least one region of extent (7) is designed as a predetermined separating point (8) in at least one web-like surface region.