Vehicle Seat Suspension Assembly for Collision Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle seating assemblies face challenges in balancing size constraints, design requirements, safety during collisions, manufacturing efficiency, and reducing the risk of injury to manufacturers during installation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat suspension system featuring a rear support with hooks and load distribution tabs, spring members with cushion pan interfaces, and a cross support with wiring apertures, along with a climate control air supply duct, designed to provide controlled deformation in collisions, minimize material usage, and simplify manufacturing and installation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional vehicle seating assemblies are constructed based on size constraints and design requirements, then the seat meets basic functional requirements, but the structure uses excessive material and lacks robustness during collision events
Solution Approach 1:
The seat suspension system is divided into modular components including a seat pan, backrest, and suspension mechanism with spring members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall material usage compared to traditional monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spring members with specific stiffness parameters and suspension geometry that change the mechanical characteristics of the seat system. These parameter optimizations provide enhanced collision safety through controlled deformation while using minimal material.
2Productivity
If traditional seat designs prioritize meeting design requirements, then the seat achieves functional specifications, but manufacturing time increases and installation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension components are pre-assembled and pre-positioned during the design phase with standardized connection points and integrated wiring apertures. This preliminary configuration reduces manufacturing complexity and eliminates installation errors by ensuring proper alignment before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement, houses wiring apertures for power and data cables, and facilitates suspension component mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies both manufacturing and installation processes.
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 system enhances passenger safety during collisions, reduces manufacturing and installation risks, and optimizes load distribution while maintaining robustness and comfort, while also reducing noise and vibration through precise fit and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
First and second spring members extend below the cross support and into hooks of the rear support
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat suspension assembly includes a rear support for engagement with a torsion tube of a vehicle seat. First and second spring members have end portions engaged with the rear support. Intermediate cushion pan connectors are disposed on each of the first and second spring members. A cross support is coupled with the first and second spring members and includes power and data wiring apertures.