Segmented Safety Seat Structure Against Submarining and Blast G-Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Safety seats in armored vehicles fail to effectively absorb vertical g-forces from mine explosions or crashes while preventing submarining, where occupants are not securely held due to the disconnection from the vehicle floor.
Innovation Solution
A safety seat design featuring a back unit with an upper and lower part, connected by energy-absorbing support straps that allow the lower part to drop, preventing submarining by lifting the forward part and tightening shoulder belts, while the footrest remains disconnected from the vehicle floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the seat is disconnected from the vehicle floor using bracing straps, then the seat can absorb vertical g-forces from mine explosions, but the occupant may slide under the lap belt (submarining)
Solution Approach 1:
The back unit is divided into an upper part and a lower part that can move independently. The lower part can drop relative to the upper part during vertical impacts, allowing energy absorption while the upper part remains connected to the vehicle structure to prevent submarining.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the upper and lower parts of the back unit transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic movable connection. The lower part is allowed to drop relative to the upper part during vertical impacts, providing adaptive protection that absorbs g-forces while maintaining occupant positioning.
2Reliability
If the seat is rigidly connected to the vehicle floor, then the occupant is securely held in place, but the seat transmits full impact forces from mine explosions to the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The back unit is segmented into upper and lower parts with independent movement capability. The lower part absorbs vertical impact forces through controlled dropping, while the upper part maintains secure connection to the vehicle floor to prevent submarining.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connection between the upper and lower parts of the back unit acts as an intermediary mechanism. It allows the lower part to drop and absorb impact forces while the upper part remains firmly connected to the vehicle structure, mediating between the conflicting requirements of force absorption and secure positioning.
3Strength
If energy-absorbing break points are used in suspension belts, then the seat can disconnect from the floor during explosions, but the same mechanism causes submarining during traffic accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The back unit is divided into upper and lower parts that can move independently. This segmentation allows the lower part to drop during vertical impacts from explosions while the upper part remains connected to prevent submarining during lateral impacts from traffic accidents.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the back unit have different connection characteristics. The lower part has a movable connection that allows dropping for explosion protection, while the upper part has a fixed connection to the vehicle structure that prevents submarining during traffic accidents. Each local area has the quality needed for its specific protective function.
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 seat effectively absorbs vertical g-forces, preventing submarining and ensuring occupants are securely held, with a lightweight, cost-effective, and easily replaceable energy-absorbing system.
Implementation Method 1
The lower part is connected to the upper part by way of at least one energy-absorbing support strap. When the lower part shifts with respect to the upper part of the back unit, a metal band is bent by the bending mechanism. As a result of the work of deformation, at least some of the energy which acts on the occupants when the vehicle drives over a mine, for example, is absorbed.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety seat for a motor vehicle includes a seat unit and a back unit having an upper part and a lower part. The safety seat can be connected by way of the upper part to the structure of a motor vehicle, and the lower part can be dropped with respect to the upper part. The lower part is guided on the upper part and is connected to the upper part by at least one energy-absorbing support strap. The seat unit has a forward part connected in articulated fashion to the upper part of the back unit, and a rear part which is connected in articulated fashion to the lower part of the back unit. The rear part of the seat unit drops farther than the forward part of the seat unit when a force resulting from an accident or an explosion acts on the vehicle.