Vehicle Seatback Secondary Structure for Collision Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seating assemblies lack effective supplementary support structures to manage energy and prevent occupant movement during collisions, particularly in thin seatbacks with minimal energy absorption features.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly design featuring a seatback with a frame assembly, a primary structure, a secondary structure, and a selectively positionable retractor mechanism that adjusts the belt's position between spooling, fixed, and retracted states to provide support during collisions, with a controller activating the pre-tensioner in response to deceleration or airbag signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a thin seatback design is used, then the seating assembly is more compact and lightweight, but the energy absorption capability during collisions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into a primary structure and a secondary structure. The primary structure provides the main seating support, while the secondary structure specifically addresses collision energy absorption. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without requiring the entire seatback to be厚重.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor mechanism dynamically adjusts the secondary structure's position and tension based on collision detection. During normal operation, the secondary structure remains retracted to maintain a compact profile. Upon collision detection, it rapidly deploys to provide energy absorption, transforming from a static compact design to an active protective structure.
2Reliability
If a secondary support structure is added to improve collision safety, then the energy management capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary structure serves multiple functions: it provides collision energy absorption, maintains a compact profile during normal operation, and integrates with the existing frame assembly. The retractor mechanism uses a single component to achieve both deployment and retraction functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the added safety capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary structure is nested within or adjacent to the primary structure, allowing it to be compact when not in use. The retractor mechanism enables the secondary structure to be stored in a space-efficient configuration, minimizing its impact on the overall seatback design while maintaining readiness for collision events.
3Manufacturing precision
If a retractor mechanism with multiple positions is implemented, then the belt positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor mechanism pre-positions the secondary structure in optimal locations (retracted, locked, pre-tensioned positions) before collision occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when a collision is detected, the structure is already in the correct configuration to provide immediate protection, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during impact.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback with a frame assembly having first and second portions. A primary structure extends between the first and second portions and defines a seating surface. A secondary structure extends between the first and second portions. A retractor mechanism is disposed on one of the first and second portions and is selectively positionable in an unlocked, a locked, or a pre-tensioned position.