Vehicle Seatback Support Structure for Rear-Impact Neck Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seatbacks concentrate reaction force on the lower neck region during rear impacts, leading to increased strain on the cervical vertebrae due to the design of the seatback upper frame, which is typically made of steel tubing.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle seatback design includes a support member with shoulder and lower neck bearing portions positioned forward of the seatback upper frame, distributing the load and reducing surface pressure on the neck region, and optionally incorporating a shock-absorbing material and a lumbar bearing portion to manage lumbar vertebrae curvature and reduce strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the seatback upper frame portion is made of steel tubing to ensure structural strength, then the strength and rigidity of the seatback are improved, but the reaction force acting on the lower neck region is concentrated, increasing strain on the cervical vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple functional regions: a shoulder bearing portion with first support sections for shoulder blades, a second support section for the upper back, and a third support section for the lower neck region. This segmentation allows each region to independently manage forces, distributing the reaction force from steel tubing across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it on the lower neck.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support member have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The shoulder bearing portion has first support sections extending in the width direction to distribute shoulder load, while the lower neck region has a third support section that provides localized cushioning. This local differentiation allows the steel tubing frame to maintain overall strength while creating localized low-pressure zones for vulnerable body parts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the support member extends forward to provide shoulder and lower neck support, then the distribution of impact force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member integrates multiple support functions into a single unified structure that extends forward from the seatback. Instead of separate components for shoulder support, upper back support, and lower neck support, all these functions are merged into one continuous support member with varying cross-sectional configurations, simplifying the overall device while achieving comprehensive force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides shoulder blade support through first support sections, upper back support through a second support section, and lower neck support through a third support section. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple vulnerability points during rear impacts, reducing the need for additional separate safety mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seatback including a seatback frame provided with a pair of seatback side frame portions and a seatback upper frame portion that connects together upper end portions of the pair of seatback upper frame portions along the seat width direction, and a support member attached to the seatback frame. The support member is provided with a lower neck bearing portion covering the seatback upper frame portion, and a shoulder bearing portion disposed further towards the front than the seatback upper frame portion in the seat front-rear direction. When a load of a specific value or greater acts on the occupant towards the rear in the seat front-rear direction, the shoulder regions of the occupant are pressed against the shoulder bearing portion, suppressing movement of the occupant towards the rear in the seat front-rear direction.