Development of a Variable Stiffness Seatback
2022-01-1037
03/29/2022
- Content
- A challenge faced by the automotive industry is to optimize the stiffness of seat structures such that in rear-impact collisions, seatback deflection is compliant enough to adequately absorb impact energy, yet stiff enough to prevent excess deformation. While comprising a smaller percentage of all automotive accidents, severe and fatal injuries occur in rear impact crashes. Injuries to front seat passengers can be mitigated in some crashes with stiffer seatbacks, and in other crashes with more yielding seatbacks, depending on the accident severity and other factors. In rare cases, injuries to rear seat passengers occur when front seats deform and intrude into rear occupant spaces. There has existed a debate for years regarding whether seats should be manufactured increasingly stiffer, or more yielding. Compounding the problem are additional factors including widely varying crash severities, impact angles, out-of-position occupants, intermittent use of rear seating areas, etc. Development of an “actively compliant” working prototype seat is underway, where the seatback stiffness varies as a function of the occupant’s weight and the impact delta-v. This adjustment is facilitated through electromechanical means to optimize yielding and deformation during a rear impact.
- Citation
- Warner, M., and Warner, W., "Development of a Variable Stiffness Seatback," SAE Technical Paper 2022-01-1037, 2022, .