Vehicle Seatback Height Adjustment for Occupant Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat assemblies lack the ability to dynamically adjust based on the presence and height of an occupant, which can affect the effectiveness of integrated safety features, particularly in autonomous vehicles where occupants may assume various positions.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a vertically adjustable seatback, equipped with a position sensor and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the seatback's height based on the occupant's presence and height, ensuring proper alignment with safety features like airbags and seatbelts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seatback is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different occupant heights and positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the seatback vertically adjustable rather than fixed. The seatback can move between multiple positions to adapt to different occupant heights, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that responds to varying occupancy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by varying the vertical position of the seatback based on detected occupant height. The system changes the positional parameter of the seatback to optimize safety feature alignment with different occupant body types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seatback is vertically adjustable, then the adaptability to different occupant heights is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Self-service principle through the integration of a position sensor that automatically detects occupant height and triggers the seatback adjustment. The system serves itself by using sensor data to autonomously determine the appropriate seatback position without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Feedback by using a position sensor to detect occupant height and provide information to the adjustment mechanism. This closed-loop system uses sensor feedback to continuously optimize the seatback position based on actual occupancy conditions.
3Reliability
If safety features are fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness of safety features for various occupant body types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Parameter changes by adjusting the vertical position of safety features integrated into the seatback assembly. By changing the positional parameter of airbags and seatbelts along with the seatback, the system maintains optimal alignment with different occupant body types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Merging by integrating safety features directly into the adjustable seatback structure. The airbags, seatbelts, and headrest are combined with the seatback assembly, allowing them to move together as a unified system that adapts to different occupant heights.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly is provided herein. The seat assembly includes a seat member having a support surface. A pair of seat member bolsters is disposed on opposing sides of the seat member. A seat base supports the seat member and has a wraparound sidewall that extends above a bottom portion of each seat member bolster.