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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 2, 2007
Date of Patent:
October 26, 2010
Assignees:
Techno-Sciences, Inc. (corporation), University of Maryland
Inventors:
Norman Mark Wereley, Gregory John Hiemenz, Young-Tai Choi, Gang Wang, Peter Che-Hung Chen