Segmented Seat Mount With Pyrotechnic Lowering for Impact Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat systems do not effectively manage occupant kinematics during vehicle impacts, particularly in rear-seat configurations, which can lead to suboptimal protection and injury mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A seat support system with movable seat mounts that transition between raised and lowered configurations, actuated by a pyrotechnic linear actuator, to tilt the seat rearward in response to certain vehicle impacts, enhancing occupant kinematics through a computer-controlled mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seat mount is fixed in a raised configuration, then the seat structure is simple and stable, but the occupant kinematics cannot be optimized during vehicle impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The seat mount is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can move relative to each other. The first segment is attached to the vehicle floor, the second segment is connected to the first segment, and the third segment is coupled between them. This segmentation allows the seat mount to transition between raised and lowered configurations, enabling occupant kinematics optimization during impacts while maintaining structural stability when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat mount transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The multiple segments are movable relative to each other between raised and lowered configurations, allowing the system to adapt its geometry in response to vehicle impacts. This dynamic capability enables optimization of occupant kinematics while maintaining simplicity during normal operation.
2Speed
If a pyrotechnic linear actuator is used to actuate the seat mount, then rapid response to vehicle impacts is achieved, but the device complexity and energy management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators with a pyrotechnic linear actuator. This substitution enables rapid response to vehicle impacts by utilizing chemical energy conversion to mechanical motion, achieving fast actuation speeds. The pyrotechnic device converts chemical energy directly into linear motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission systems while providing rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyrotechnic linear actuator utilizes parameter changes in the chemical state to achieve rapid actuation. The chemical energy stored in the pyrotechnic material is converted into mechanical energy through controlled combustion, producing rapid linear motion. This parameter change from chemical to mechanical energy enables fast response to impact conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat mount transitions between raised and lowered configurations, then occupant kinematics are optimized, but the manufacturing precision and structural stability become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The seat mount is segmented into distinct movable components (first segment, second segment, third segment) connected through defined interfaces. This segmentation allows each segment to be manufactured and assembled independently, then connected through standardized coupling mechanisms. The modular approach facilitates maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling configuration transitions between raised and lowered states.
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
Improves occupant kinematics by tilting the seat rearward during impacts, thereby enhancing safety and protection by optimizing the position of the occupant relative to the seatbelt system.
Implementation Method 1
The linear actuator can be a pyrotechnic device
Data Source
AI summary
A seat support system including a seat mount having multiple segments movable relative to each other between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration. The multiple segments include a first segment attached to a floor of a vehicle and a second segment connected to the first segment. A linear actuator is connected to the second segment and movable from a retracted position to an extended position to move the multiple segments from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration.