Variable Displacement Seating Assembly Impact Energy Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seating assemblies in vehicles fail to effectively attenuate under-vehicle blasts and slam-down impacts, particularly in military and civilian contexts, as they do not adequately address personnel protection, ergonomics, and crashworthiness, leading to potential injuries and reduced survivability.
Innovation Solution
A variable displacement seating assembly with pivotable seat frames and energy attenuating connectors that allow independent vertical movement during impacts, incorporating sinusoidal energy attenuating links and quick-release restraints to absorb and distribute impact forces, enhancing crash protection and occupant safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed seating assemblies are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but crash protection and impact energy attenuation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed seating to pivotable seat frames that can dynamically adjust their position during impact events. The seat frames are designed to pivot about horizontal axes, allowing them to move from an initial position to a displaced position upon impact, thereby dynamically absorbing crash energy and improving protection without requiring overly complex predetermined mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating assembly is segmented into multiple independent pivotable seat frames rather than a single rigid structure. Each seat frame can independently pivot and displace, allowing localized energy absorption at each seating position. This segmentation enables the system to provide crash protection through distributed movement rather than requiring a single complex mechanical system.
2Strength
If seat frames are made rigid for structural strength, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but independent vertical displacement during impact is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frames are designed with pivotable joints that allow controlled movement. The frames maintain sufficient structural strength to support occupants while incorporating rotational degrees of freedom that enable vertical displacement during impact. This dynamic design allows the same structure to exhibit both strength and adaptability depending on the loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat frame structure utilizes changes in geometric parameters through pivoting motion. The frames can change their orientation and vertical position by rotating about horizontal axes, transforming from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts its configuration during impact events while maintaining structural integrity.
3Weight of moving object
If seat frames are made lightweight for reduced weight, then energy absorption capability is improved, but structural strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lightweight seat frames achieve sufficient strength through their dynamic pivotable design. Rather than requiring heavy rigid structures, the frames utilize controlled pivoting motion to absorb impact energy, allowing lightweight construction while maintaining the necessary strength-to-weight ratio for crash protection and occupant support.
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 seating assembly effectively reduces injury risk by absorbing impact energy and maintaining occupant restraint during crashes and blasts, improving survivability and mitigating injuries in various vehicle types, including military and civilian applications.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating sinusoidal energy attenuating links and quick-release restraints to absorb and distribute impact forces
Implementation Method 2
The first and second seat frames are operatively interconnected for simultaneous pivoting movement between a stowed position and a deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A variable displacement seating assembly incorporates at least first and second pivotable seat frames. The first seat frame includes a male seat connector. The second seat frame is arranged adjacent the first seat frame, and includes a female seat connector receiving the male seat connector of the first seat frame. The first and second seat frames are operatively interconnected for simultaneous pivoting movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position of the first and second seat frames, the male and female seat connectors are disposed for sliding vertical movement of one seat connector relative to the other, such that the first and second seat frames are independently vertically displaceable upon an impact force acting against the seat assembly.