Spring Assisted Energy Attenuating Seat for Military Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seating systems fail to provide effective energy attenuation for high-energy shock loads, such as those from under-vehicle mine blasts or helicopter crashes, and lack the flexibility to adjust seat height quickly for tactical military applications.
Innovation Solution
A variable height energy attenuating seating system with a spring-assisted mechanism that allows the seat to move vertically along a support column, utilizing EA links and a latch mechanism for adjustable positioning, and a lift spring to counteract the seat's weight, enabling rapid elevation and secure locking in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a variable height seating system is implemented to allow quick adjustment of seat height, then the ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The seating system implements dynamic adjustability by allowing the seat to move vertically along the support column to various positions. The system transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position, enabling the seat to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the latch mechanism.
2Reliability
If energy attenuation devices are added to absorb high-energy shock loads, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy attenuation devices are pre-installed within the support column structure to provide beforehand cushioning against high-energy shock loads. The EA links and energy attenuating devices are positioned in advance to absorb impact energies from events such as under-vehicle mine blasts or helicopter crashes, protecting the occupant before the shock event occurs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a latch mechanism is used to secure the seat at various positions, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the support column at predetermined positions, providing self-service locking functionality. When the seat is moved to a desired position, the latch automatically secures it without requiring additional manual intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring position stability.
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 absorbs impact energies and allows for quick and secure adjustment of seat height, enhancing occupant safety and operational efficiency in tactical military scenarios by enabling rapid access to elevated positions without the need to leave the seat.
Implementation Method 1
a lift spring to counteract the seat's weight, enabling rapid elevation
Implementation Method 2
energy attenuating ('EA') devices for absorbing or attenuating high energy shock loads
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for a spring assisted energy attenuating seating system. In one embodiment the seating system includes a seat mounted for guided, sliding vertical movement up and down a stationary vertically oriented column inside the vehicle, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the seat to the column at a plurality of vertical positions. The system may further include a lift spring connected between the seat and support column configured to apply a constant upward force to the seat.