Vehicle Seatback Frame Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seatback frames in vehicles fail to effectively absorb crash energy during rear collisions, as they deform locally and inefficiently, which compromises the safety of drivers and passengers.
Innovation Solution
A seatback frame structure featuring a first frame of panel material and a second frame of annular pipe material, where the second frame is adhered to the periphery of the first frame and elongated along the lateral direction, allowing for increased deformation into a '<' shape to distribute crash loads and absorb energy more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the seatback frame uses a conventional single-frame structure, then the structure is simple, but the crash energy absorption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a first frame made of panel material and a second frame made of pipe material into an integrated seatback frame structure. The two frames are coupled together such that they work in unison during rear collisions, with the panel material frame providing initial deformation and the pipe material frame providing additional energy absorption through its bending into a V-shape, thereby increasing overall crash energy absorption without requiring separate dedicated energy-absorbing members
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by using two different materials (panel material and pipe material) for the two frames. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its unique properties to the overall energy absorption mechanism, with the panel material providing surface area for deformation and the pipe material providing structural integrity and additional energy absorption capacity
2Loss of energy
If the frame deforms locally at the center portion, then the structure remains compact, but the crash energy cannot be effectively absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy absorption function between two distinct frames made of different materials. The first frame (panel material) and second frame (pipe material) are divided into separate structural elements that deform in a coordinated sequence during rear collisions, with each segment contributing to the overall energy absorption process rather than relying on localized deformation of a single frame
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new deformation dimension by allowing the second frame (pipe material) to bend into a V-shape configuration during rear collisions. This dimensional change in the deformation pattern enables the frame to absorb energy through a more extended deformation path, increasing the volume and extent of deformation beyond simple local bending at the center
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 enhanced deformation of the seatback frame structure effectively absorbs crash energy, increasing the safety of vehicle occupants by distributing the load laterally and absorbing more energy without the need for dedicated energy-absorbing members.
Implementation Method 1
the second frame becomes bent into a V-shape, with an upper portion thereof being elongated in a lateral direction of the vehicle. There can be provided a frame structure for the vehicle seat back having an improved strength against an external force exerted resulting from the movement of the luggage placed in the trunk
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame structure of a seatback for a vehicle includes a first frame (11) including at least two panels (11A,11B) and a divided portion therebetween and a second frame (12) including tubing and bonded to the first frame substantially along a periphery of the first frame. The second frame includes an elongation deformation allowing portion (13) for allowing a portion of the second frame to be elongated over the divided portion of the first frame in an upper side portion when a predetermined load is exerted on the seatback toward a rear of the vehicle.