Vehicle Side Impact Protection via Pelvic Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side collision protection methods for vehicle occupants, such as the side airbag apparatus, do not effectively distribute load to maximize protection by restraining the lumbar region, leading to uneven stress distribution in the skeletal structure during a side collision.
Innovation Solution
A method and structure that involves an impact absorbing member positioned to contact the lumbar region at a section corresponding to the rear of the pelvis, specifically the ilium, to disperse and concentrate load on a section with high resistance, thereby reducing stress on the pubis and improving overall occupant protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the lumbar region is restrained at the front portion of the pelvis (greater trochanter), then the occupant is protected from side collision, but the load is concentrated on the pubis causing high stress and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically targeting the rear portion of the pelvis (ilium/sacrum) rather than the front portion (greater trochanter/pubis). The impact absorbing member is designed to contact only the lumbar region at the rear pelvis, creating a localized protection zone with different mechanical properties - the ilium and sacrum have higher load-bearing capacity and can distribute stress more effectively than the pubis region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the impact absorbing member in advance at the rear portion of the pelvis before collision occurs. The member is pre-configured to contact the lumbar region at the ilium/sacrum area, which has higher structural strength. This preliminary positioning ensures that when side collision occurs, the load is immediately directed to the stronger rear pelvic structure rather than the weaker front structure.
2Stress or pressure
If the impact absorbing member contacts the lumbar region at the rear portion of the pelvis (ilium), then the load is distributed across a larger area with high resistance, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the contact position parameter of the impact absorbing member. Instead of contacting the lumbar region at the front pelvis (greater trochanter), the member is positioned to contact at the rear portion (ilium/sacrum). This parameter change - specifically the position coordinate along the pelvis - transforms the stress distribution characteristics from concentrated high stress on pubis to distributed lower stress on the stronger rear pelvic structure.
3Reliability
If existing side airbag apparatus are used, then occupant protection is provided, but the load distribution is uneven and does not maximize protection by properly restraining the lumbar region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional approach of side airbag protection. Instead of having the airbag contact the occupant's side body and lumbar region from the lateral direction (as in conventional side airbags), this invention positions the impact absorbing member to contact the lumbar region from the rear direction at the pelvis. This inverted contact direction and position fundamentally changes the load distribution pattern, directing forces through the stronger rear pelvic structure rather than the weaker side and front structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for protecting an occupant seated on a seat of a vehicle in a side collision of the vehicle is disclosed. In the method, the lumbar region of the occupant is retained in a section that corresponds to the pelvis rearward of the acetabulum in the skeletal structure of the occupant by using an impact absorbing member. Specifically, the lumbar region of the occupant is retained in a section that corresponds to an ilium in the skeletal structure of the occupant. In a side collision of the vehicle, the impact absorbing member initially contacts the lumbar region in a section corresponding to the ilium.