Side-Mounted Energy Attenuating Vehicle Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy attenuating systems for vehicles, such as those in military and civilian aircraft and ground vehicles, are inadequate in mitigating the impact of under-vehicle blasts and slam-down forces on occupants, leading to potential injuries and reduced survivability.
Innovation Solution
A side-mounted energy attenuating seat system that utilizes a unique slide mechanism and energy attenuating links to absorb impact forces, allowing the seat to stroke vertically and absorb energy pulses, thereby reducing the force transmitted to occupants during extreme events like under-vehicle mine blasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid seat mounting system is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but impact forces from blasts and slam-down events are transmitted directly to occupants, reducing survivability
Solution Approach 1:
The seat mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic compliant system. The slide mechanism allows the seat to move vertically along the mounting column, and the energy attenuating links provide controlled compliance that absorbs impact energy while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy attenuating links are pre-configured to bend and deform during impact events, absorbing energy before it reaches the occupant. This beforehand cushioning mechanism is designed to activate specifically during blast or slam-down events, protecting occupants from direct impact forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an energy attenuating mechanism is added to the seat system, then impact force mitigation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: a slide mechanism for vertical movement, energy attenuating links for energy absorption, and a mounting column for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rigid mounting column and the seat, enabling controlled movement. The energy attenuating links serve as intermediaries that absorb and dissipate impact energy, mediating the force transmission between the external environment and the occupant.
3Ease of manufacture
If the seat is mounted rigidly to the vehicle structure, then installation simplicity is maintained, but survivability during extreme events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic elements (slide mechanism and compliant links) that maintain ease of installation through modular design while providing enhanced protection during extreme events. The components are designed to be assembled in a straightforward manner but exhibit complex protective behavior when activated.
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 system effectively reduces the impact of high-rate vertical accelerations, such as those from under-vehicle blasts, by allowing the seat to move compliantly, thereby minimizing the energy transferred to occupants and enhancing their survivability during sudden impacts.
Implementation Method 1
energy attenuating links to absorb impact forces, allowing the seat to stroke vertically and absorb energy pulses
Implementation Method 2
a roller supported against the mounting plate and configured to roll in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
Designs and methods are provided for a side mounted energy attenuating vehicle seat. In one exemplary embodiment the seat comprises a rigid base with a first side, and a substantially vertically oriented mounting plate adjacent the first side of the base. The exemplary seat further comprises a vertical slide mechanism comprising a fixed portion attached to the mounting plate, and a sliding portion attached to the first side of the base, the mechanism configured to allow for a downward stroke of the base relative to the mounting plate. A roller is attached to the first side of the base substantially below the point of attachment to the sliding portion of the vertical slide mechanism, and configured to roll in a vertical direction while bearing against the mounting plate, and supporting the seat base in a horizontal orientation. An energy attenuating member is positioned so as to prevent the seat from stroking downward relative to the mounting plate during normal use.