Adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat

US7921973B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Techno-Sciences, Inc. · US
• UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · US

Inventors

• Norman M. Wereley · Potomac, US
• Gregory J. Hiemenz · Silver Spring, US
• Wei Hu · Zhejiang, CN
• Gang Wang · Germantown, US
• Peter Chen · Plainsboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 2, 2007
• Grant date: Apr 12, 2011
• Expiry date: Feb 11, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2/522
• 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.