Adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat

US7822522B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Techno-Sciences, Inc. · US
• University of Maryland · US

Inventors

• Norman M. Wereley · Potomac, US
• Gregory J. Hiemenz · Silver Spring, US
• Young-Tai Choi · Laurel, US
• Gang Wang · Germantown, US
• Peter Chen · Plainsboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 2, 2007
• Grant date: Oct 26, 2010
• Expiry date: Apr 11, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F2224/045
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.