Energy absorbing vehicle seat

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat that includes a seat cushion which is substantially horizontal with respect to a floor of a vehicle. The vehicle seat further includes a seat back including a proximal end and a distal end separated by a longitudinal length, such that the proximal end is pivotably coupled to the seat back. The vehicle seat also includes a track arranged adjacent to the seat cushion and the track has a longitudinal length. The track includes a proximal end and a distal end, such that the proximal end of the track is attached to a biasing element while the distal end of the track is attached to a portion of the seat back. In a crash event, the seat back is displaceable with respect to the seat cushion along the longitudinal length of the track.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat for providing protection during an impact to an occupant inside a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles can implement one or more safety features to protect occupants during a vehicle collision. The one or more safety features can include restraint systems, such as seat belts and/or airbags. The one or more safety system can be operable to absorb forces generated by a vehicle collision and/or reduce forces transferred to an occupant's body during the vehicle collision, thereby preventing and/or reducing occupant injury.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to aspects of an energy absorbing vehicle seat for an occupant inside a vehicle. The vehicle seat of the present disclosure can, in some instances, impart motion to the occupant occupying the vehicle seat in an event of sudden braking, deceleration, and/or a collision, thereby operable to reduce bodily injury.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat that includes a seat cushion that has a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to a floor of a vehicle. In at least one example, the seat cushion be inclined to the floor by an angle of inclination. The vehicle seat further includes a seat back that has a proximal end and a distal end separated by a longitudinal length. The proximal end of the seat back can be pivotably coupled to the seat cushion. The vehicle seat also includes a track arranged adjacent to the seat cushion and the track has a longitudinal length. The track includes a proximal end and a distal end, such that the proximal end of the track is coupled with a biasing element while the distal end of the track is coupled with a portion of the seat back. In a crash event, the seat back can be displaceable with respect to the seat cushion along the longitudinal length of the track.

In at least one example, the seat back and the seat cushion are coupled by a pyro pin. This prevents displacement of the seat back with respect to the seat cushion unless the pyro pin is severed. In addition, the seat back can have a predetermined displaceable distance and the track can have a predetermined length, such that the predetermined displaceable distance is a portion of the predetermined length and/or substantially equal to the predetermined length.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat that includes a substantially horizontal seat cushion and a seat back pivotably coupled to the seat cushion. Further, the seat back has a longitudinal length that extends between a proximal end adjacent to the seat cushion and a distal end. The vehicle seat also includes a plurality of pivot points that are disposed along the longitudinal length of the seat back and each of the plurality of pivot points has a predetermined pivot resistance. Each of the plurality of pivot points pivots in a crash event. In one example, each pivot point includes a resistance material and a cutter that engages with the resistance material during the pivoting of the pivot points.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat that includes a substantially horizontal seat cushion and a seat back that is pivotably coupled to the seat cushion at a proximal end of the seat back. The seat back has a longitudinal length and includes a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The vehicle seat also includes a track mounted adjacent to the seat cushion and is coupled to one or more fixation points. The track has a longitudinal length that extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the track. The track also includes a biasing element coupled to the proximal end of the track and a portion of the seat cushion. During a crash event, the track allows the seat cushion and the seat back to displace relative to the one or more fixation points along the longitudinal length of the track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed aspects. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that aspects may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.” Further, the terms “first,” “second,” and similar indicators of the sequence are to be construed as interchangeable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to the particular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example, substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The term “comprising” means “including, but not necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in a so-described combination, group, series and the like.

Reference throughout this specification to “one aspect” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one aspect” or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat operable to absorb and/or reduce force transfer to an occupant during a crash event, thereby reducing potential injury to an occupant. The vehicle seat can be implemented in a occupant operated, semi-autonomous, and/or autonomous vehicle and can be arranged in forward facing and/or rear facing arrangements.

FIG. 1illustrates a vehicle seat100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The vehicle seat100can be installed in a vehicle (not shown in the Figure) and is configured to allow an occupant102to sit inside the vehicle. The vehicle may be any vehicle such as a car, van, or bus (including, but not limited to, an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle), using all known methods of powertrain and propulsion systems (e.g., combustion engine, battery electric, hybrid, etc.). The occupant102can be a driver or a passenger. The vehicle seat100includes a one or more support legs, such as legs106,108, that mounts the vehicle seat100on a floor110of the vehicle. In the illustrated example, the legs106,108are mounted at attachment location on the floor110using fasteners, such as, but not limited to, nuts and bolts.

Further, based on a design of the vehicle, the vehicle seat100can be mounted in different orientations. For instance, the vehicle seat100can be mounted in a forward-facing orientation, such that the occupant102faces towards a front end of the vehicle. In other words, the vehicle seat100is forward oriented. In another instances, the vehicle seat100can be mounted in a rearward-facing orientation, such that the occupant faces towards a rear end of the vehicle. In other words, the vehicle seat is rearward oriented. In autonomous vehicle, both the driver and passenger seats can be forward orientation, rearward oriented, and/or combinations thereof. In semi-autonomous/manual vehicle, only the passenger seats can be rearward oriented.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the vehicle seat100includes a seat cushion112that forms a base of the vehicle seat100. Further, the seat cushion112, supported by the legs106,108, is configured to receive a lower portion102aof the occupant102. Although not shown, the seat cushion112is made of a frame with foam material applied around on the frame to make the seat cushion112suitable for sitting for the occupant102.

The vehicle seat100also includes a seat back114that is pivotably coupled to the seat cushion112and is configured to receive an upper portion102bof the occupant102. The vehicle seat100also includes a pivoting mechanism116that is operable by the occupant102to allow the seat back114to pivot with respect to the seat cushion112to assume different pivoted positions vis-à-vis the seat cushion112.

According to an example, the vehicle seat100is configured to impart motion to the occupant102occupying the vehicle seat100in an event of sudden braking/deceleration or a crash event in order to absorb an impact received therefrom. To accomplish this, the vehicle seat100includes an actuating mechanism118that enables the vehicle seat100to impart the motion. For instance, the actuating mechanism118enables a displacement of the occupant102with respect to the floor110. The actuating mechanism118can be coupled to either the seat cushion112or the seat back114, or both to impart the motion to the occupant102.

In one example, the seat back114can be displaced with respect to the seat cushion112to impart motion to the occupant102. In another example, the seat back114can be pivoted with respect to the seat cushion112to impart motion to the occupant102. In yet another example, both the seat back114and the seat cushion112can be displaced with respect to the floor110to induce motion of the occupant102. In yet another example, a combination of displacement of the seat back114and pivoting of the seat back114can be achieved to impart motion to the occupant102. Moreover, the actuating mechanism118operates automatically without human intervention when the vehicle experiences a collision or the impact. Exemplary aspects of each of the aforementioned examples are described in subsequent paragraphs.

FIGS. 2aand 2billustrate a vehicle seat200with a displaceable seat back202, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.FIG. 2aillustrates the vehicle seat200in an initial position whileFIG. 2billustrates the vehicle seat200in a final position. The initial position refers to a position of the vehicle seat200before an event of sudden braking, deceleration and/or a crash event. The final position refers to a position of the vehicle seat200when the vehicle experiences an impact due to the sudden braking, deceleration and/or the crash event.

In the illustrated example, the vehicle seat200is rearward orientated with respect to the vehicle. In other words, the vehicle seat200is mounted in such a way that a front portion of an occupant224faces towards a rear end of the vehicle while a back portion of the occupant224faces an interior panel204of the vehicle. In another example, the vehicle seat200can be forward oriented with respect to the vehicle. In other words, the vehicle seat200is mounted in such a way that the front portion of the occupant224faces the interior panel204of the vehicle.

A rearward facing seat, as illustrated, can assist in the reduction of force and/or injury to an occupant in a forward collision, while a forward facing seat can assist in the reduction of force and/or injury to an occupant in a rear-end collision.

As shown inFIGS. 2aand 2b, the vehicle seat200includes a seat cushion206that has a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to a floor208of the vehicle. While the seat cushion206is substantially horizontal orientation relative to the floor208, the seat cushion206can have varying inclinations relative to the floor208, at least in part for ergonomic purposes, while still maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation. In at least some instances, the seat cushion206can be user adjustable angle of inclination in a positive and/or negative inclination relative to a true horizontal. The deviation in inclination from true horizontal is within the context of substantially horizontal as used throughout this disclosure. For instance, the seat cushion206can be inclined to the floor208by an angle of inclination A1, which can be a positive angle of inclination relative to the floor208and/or a negative angle of inclination relative to the floor208. In one example, the angle of inclination A1may range from about −20-degrees (°) to 20 degrees (°). The seat cushion206can be inclined with respect to the floor208to provide adequate comfort to the occupant224when the occupant224sits on the vehicle seat200. In the illustrated example, the angle of inclination A1is set based on various factors, such as space available inside the vehicle, human ergonomic, user preference, and the like. Although the present illustration shows the seat cushion206inclined with respect to the floor208, the seat cushion206can be substantially horizontal with respect to the floor208, similar to the seat cushion112shown inFIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the vehicle seat200is fixedly attached to the floor208by a plurality of legs, such as legs210,212. The seat back202is pivotably coupled with the seat cushion206to assume a plurality of positions with respect to the seat cushion206. The seat back202has a proximal end202aadjacent to the seat cushion206, a distal end202b, and a longitudinal length L1between the proximal end202aand the distal end202b. Structurally, the seat back202and the seat cushion206can be similar to the seat back114and the seat cushion112, respectively, as shown inFIG. 1.

According to an example, the vehicle seat200includes a track214that is mounted adjacent to the seat cushion206. For instance, the track214can be mounted on a side206aof the seat cushion206. Although not shown, another track can be mounted on another side of the seat cushion206, opposite to the side206a. The track214has a longitudinal length L2that extends from a proximal end214ato a distal end214bof the track214. The track214includes a rail216coupled to the seat cushion206and a guide218. In the illustrated example, the guide218defines the distal end214bof the track214, such that the guide218is coupled to the proximal end202aof the seat back202. The guide218, in one example, includes wheels or rollers to traverse the rail216to enable the displacement of the seat back202. Further, the guide218is installed with respect to the rail216in such a way that the guide218prevents any lateral movement of the seat back202while the seat back202displaces, thereby ensuring smooth displacement of the seat back202.

The track214, in operation, enables the seat back202to displace with respect to the seat cushion206during the crash event or any sudden deceleration. For instance, the track214enables the seat back202to displace towards the interior panel204when the vehicle experiences a collision at the front end of the vehicle. In another instance, the track214enables the seat back202to displace away from the interior panel204when the vehicle experiences a collision from the rear end of the vehicle.

The vehicle seat200includes a biasing element220installed proximate to the track214. One end of the biasing element220is coupled to the proximal end214aof the track214while another end of the biasing element220is coupled to at least one portion of the seat back202. For instance, another end of the biasing element220may be attached to the proximal end202aof the seat back202. In one example, the biasing element220is an elastic material that has a linear displacement, such as a coil spring. In another example, the biasing element220is an elastic material, which has a non-linear displacement, such as a torsion spring. As shown, the biasing element220can be energized during the assembly of the vehicle seat200so that the biasing element220can facilitate the displacement of the guide218with respect to the track214.

According to an example, the vehicle seat200includes a pyro pin222that couples the seat back202and the seat cushion206. Accordingly, the pyro pin222has two ends such that one end of the pyro pin222is coupled to the seat back202while another end of the pyro pin222is coupled to the seat cushion206. Further, the pyro pin222includes a material which is capable of being severed when heat is applied thereto by a triggering unit (not shown inFIG. 1) housed in the pyro pin222. In one example, the pyro pin222is connected to one or more impact sensors (not shown) that can sense the crash event. Moreover, the impact sensors can trigger the triggering unit housed in the pyro pin222to generate the heat to sever the material of the pyro pin222to allow relative movement between the seat back202and the seat cushion206.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the seat back202has a predetermined displaceable distance D1, as shown inFIG. 2b. The predetermined displaceable distance D1is a maximum distance by which the seat back202will displace with respect to the seat cushion206. Similarly, the track214has a predetermined length D2shown inFIG. 2b. The predetermined length D2of the track214is a maximum length that the guide218and the seat back202can traverse when the seat back202displaces. In one example, the predetermined displaceable distance D1is substantially equal to the predetermined length D2. Depending on the severity of the crash event, the seat back202can displace a portion of, or the entire predetermined displaceable distance D1.

An operation of the vehicle seat200is now explained. The vehicle seat200assumes the initial position as shown inFIG. 2a. In the initial position, the pyro pin222holds the seat back202, such that the seat back202is prevented from displacing with respect to the seat cushion206. Now, in case the vehicle experiences the crash event, the one or more impact sensors detect the crash event and accordingly, triggers the generation of heat that causes self-destruction of the pyro pin222. As the pyro pin222is severed the biasing element220pushes the seat back202in a direction of impact, for instance, towards the interior panel204as shown inFIG. 2b. Further, the movement of the seat back202is assisted by the rail216and the guide218. For instance, the guide218slides within the rail216to allow the movement of the seat back202. Movement of the seat back202increases the time period for which the impact is received by the occupant224thereby reducing the effect of the impact.

FIGS. 3aand 3billustrate another vehicle seat300with a seat back302that can pivot at a plurality of positions, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.FIG. 3aillustrates the vehicle seat300in an initial position whileFIG. 3billustrates the vehicle seat300in a final position. The initial position refers to a position of the vehicle seat300before an event of sudden braking/deceleration or a crash event. The final position refers to a position of the vehicle seat300when the vehicle experiences an impact due to the sudden braking/deceleration or the crash event.

The vehicle seat300includes a seat cushion304t. In one example, the seat cushion304can have a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to a floor306of the vehicle. In another example, the seat cushion304is inclined with respect to the floor306by an angle of inclination A2to provide adequate comfort for an occupant322when the occupant322sits in the vehicle seat300, which can be a positive angle of inclination relative to the floor306and/or a negative angle of inclination relative to the floor306. In one example, the angle of inclination A2may range from about −20-degrees (°) to 20 degrees (°). In the illustrated example, the angle of inclination A2is set based on various aforementioned factors, such as space available inside the vehicle, human ergonomic, user preferences, and the like.

In the illustrated example the vehicle seat300is mounted in such a way that a front portion of the occupant322faces towards a rear end of the vehicle while a back portion of the occupant322faces an interior panel308of the vehicle. In other words, the vehicle seat300is rearward oriented. In another example, the vehicle seat300can have a forward orientation such that the occupant322faces the interior panel308.

In one example, the seat back302is pivotably coupled to the seat cushion304, such that the seat back302can bend with respect to the seat cushion304. Further, the seat back302is made of a plurality of sections310a,310b,310c, and310d, collectively referred to as plurality of sections310hereinafter. Further, each of the plurality of sections310has a predetermined section height that collectively defines a longitudinal length L3of the seat back302. In an example, the predetermined section height of each of the plurality of sections310is equal. In an alternate example, the predetermined section height of each of the plurality of sections310can be different. Furthermore, one end of the section310adefines a proximal end302aof the seat back302, which is adjacent to the seat cushion304. On the other hand, one end of the section310ddefines a distal end302bof the seat back302. The longitudinal length L3extends from the proximal end302aof the seat back302to the distal end302bof the seat back302.

According to an example, the vehicle seat300includes a plurality of pivot points312a,312b,312c, and312d, collectively referred to as plurality of pivot points312hereinafter. The plurality of pivot points312are disposed along the longitudinal length L3of the seat back302. Specifically, the pivot point312acouples the section310awith the seat cushion304while the pivot points312b,312c, and312dpivotably couple adjacent sections310b,310c, and310drespectively as shown in theFIG. 3a.

In operation, the plurality of pivot points312enables the pivoting of the plurality of sections310in a direction of the impact to reduce the effect of the impact. For instance, the plurality of pivot points312enables the pivoting of the plurality of sections310towards the interior panel308when the vehicle experiences a collision at the front end of the vehicle. In another instance, the plurality of pivot points312enables the pivoting of the plurality of sections310away from the interior panel308when the vehicle experiences a collision from the rear end of the vehicle.

Further, each pivot point312a,312b,312cand312dhas a predetermined pivot resistance. The predetermined pivot resistance can be understood as a resistance of the pivot point against a force acting thereupon so that the pivot point is prevented from pivoting unless the force acting on the pivot exceeds a threshold measure. The threshold measure is a function of the predetermined pivot resistance. Accordingly, the pivot points312do not pivot until a force more than the predetermined pivot resistance is applied to the pivot points312. It should be noted that the crash event offers a force that exceeds the predetermined pivot resistance and the pivot points312therefore, pivot in the crash event.

As shown in an enlarged view in theFIG. 3a, each the plurality of pivot point312includes a casing314and a rotatable mount316. The casing314is attached to one section of the plurality of sections310, while the rotatable mount316is attached to an adjacent section of the plurality of sections310. For example, the casing314corresponding to the pivot point312bis attached to the section310b, while the rotatable mount316corresponding to the pivot point312bis attached to the adjacent section310c. The rotatable mount316rotates with respect to the casing314to cause a pivoting motion of the pivot points312. The pivot points312also houses a resistance material318positioned between the casing314and the rotatable mount316and a cutter320that is coupled to the rotatable mount316.

In the illustrated example, the resistance material318prevents rotation of the rotatable mount316by offering the predetermined pivot resistance. Further, in order to rotate the rotatable mount316, the cutter320is engaged with the resistance material318. In one example, a force greater than the predetermined pivot resistance is applied to the cutter320that causes the cutter320to sever the resistance material318thereby allowing pivoting of the pivot point312. Although the present illustration shows the pivot points312including the severable resistance material, the pivot points312can be of a different design. For instance, the pivot points312can be elastic material, such as coil springs whose pivot resistance is linear. In another example, the pivot points312can be elastic material, such as torsion springs whose pivot resistance is non-linear.

An operation of the vehicle seat300is now described. Initially, the vehicle seat300is at the initial position as shown inFIG. 3a. The initial position is maintained until the vehicle experiences the crash event. In the crash event, such as frontal collision, the vehicle receives an impact caused by a sudden deceleration. Further, the received impact forces the occupant322and the vehicle seat300towards the interior panel308. Further, the force is transmitted to the seat back302and eventually to the pivot points312.

In case the received force exceeds the predetermined pivot resistance, the cutter320starts severing a portion of the resistance material318thereby allowing the rotatable mount316to rotate with respect to the casing314. As a result, the pivot points312enables the pivoting of the sections310with respect to the seat cushion. The cutter320removes additional portions of the resistance material318to allow further pivoting of the rotatable mount316. Since portions of the resistance material318are severed to allow the rotatable mount316to rotate, force of the impact is absorbed by the resistance material318. Moreover, since the resistance material318is prevented from being severed before the rotatable mount316can rotate, the pivoting of the pivot points312is at a slower rate than in case where the resistance material was not present. As a result, the force acting on the occupant322imparted by the crash event is dampened by the pivot points312thereby preventing injury to the occupant322.

While the present disclosure illustrates a seat back302having four pivot points312, it is within the scope of this disclosure to implement any number of pivot points312including, but not limited to, one pivot point, two pivot points, three pivot points, five pivot points, and/or more pivot points.

FIGS. 4aand 4billustrate another vehicle seat400with a displaceable seat cushion402and a seat back404, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.FIG. 4aillustrates the vehicle seat400at an initial position whileFIG. 4billustrates the vehicle seat400at a final position. The initial position refers to a position of the vehicle seat400before an event of sudden braking/deceleration or a crash event. The final position refers to a position of the vehicle seat400when the vehicle experiences an impact due to the sudden braking/deceleration or the crash event. While the vehicle seat200provides protection by displacing the seat back202(as illustrated inFIGS. 2aand 2b) and the vehicle seat300provides protection by pivoting the seat back302(as illustrated inFIGS. 3aand 3b), the vehicle seat400protects an occupant428by displacing both the seat cushion402and the seat back404relative to a floor430of the vehicle.

In one example, the seat cushion402displaces and the seat back404moves towards or away from an interior panel432inside the vehicle based on a direction of impact. Specifically, the vehicle seat400protects the occupant428by moving the seat cushion402and the seat back404together in the direction of impact to absorb the impact. For instance, the displacement of the seat cushion402and the seat back404would be towards the interior panel432when the vehicle experiences the front collision. On the other hand, the displacement of the seat cushion402and that of the seat back404would be away from the interior panel432when the vehicle experiences a rear collision.

In the illustrated example, the seat cushion402is inclined to the floor430by an angle of inclination A3that may be provided based on various factors as mentioned above with respect toFIGS. 2aand 3a. In one example, the angle of inclination A3may range from about −20-degrees (°) to 20 degrees (°). In one example, the seat cushion402is pivotably coupled to the seat back404by a pivoting mechanism408. The pivoting mechanism408can be similar to the pivoting mechanism116shown inFIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the seat back404is also structurally similar to the seat back202shown inFIG. 2a. Specifically, the seat back404also has a longitudinal length L4that extends from a proximal end404aadjacent to the seat cushion402to a distal end404bof the seat back404. Further, the seat cushion402and the seat back404have a predetermined displaceable distance D3which is a distance by which the seat cushion402and the seat back404can displace in order to absorb energy of the crash event.

In an example, the vehicle seat400includes a track410that is coupled to one or more fixation points416of a plurality of legs412and414of the vehicle seat400. Further, the track410remains stationary with respect to the seat cushion402when the seat cushion402displaces. The vehicle seat400also includes a guide418installed proximate to the seat cushion402. In one example, the track410is arranged adjacent to the seat cushion402and the guide418is attached to the seat cushion402such that the seat cushion402displaces relative to the track410. For instance, the track410is coupled to the fixation points416in such a way that the track410is placed adjacent to one side of the seat cushion402. Constructional details of the track410and the guide418are provided inFIG. 5a. The vehicle seat400also includes other structural elements that are similar to the structural elements of the vehicle seat200shown inFIG. 2a.

FIGS. 5aand 5billustrate top views of the vehicle seat400depicting an interaction between the track410and the guide418. Specifically,FIG. 5aillustrates a top view of the vehicle seat400in the initial position whileFIG. 5billustrates a top view of the vehicle seat400in the final position of displacement caused by the crash event.

In the illustrated example, the track410is attached to the legs412,414shown by dotted lines at the one or more fixation points416. The track410has a longitudinal length L5that extends from a proximal end410ato a distal end410bof the track410. Further, the track410has a predetermined length D4that is substantially equal to the predetermined displaceable distance D3of the seat cushion402. According to an example, the track410includes a first profile424along the longitudinal length L5of the track410. On the other hand, the guide418includes a second profile426along the longitudinal length L5that matches with the first profile424, such that the first profile424and the second profile426enable the guide418to move relative to the track410.

According to an example, the vehicle seat400includes a pyro pin420that couples the seat cushion402and the track410. The pyro pin420prevents displacement of the seat back404and the seat cushion402relative to the one or more fixation points416. The pyro pin420can be structurally similar to the pyro pin222shown inFIG. 2aand can be coupled to one or more impact sensors (not shown inFIG. 5a) that can sense a collision of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle seat400includes a biasing element422that is coupled to a proximal end410aof the track410and to a portion of the seat cushion402. The biasing element422, in operation, facilitates displacement of the seat cushion402during the crash event.

An operation of the vehicle seat400is now described with respect toFIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b. Initially, when the vehicle has not encountered the crash, the vehicle seat400assumes the initial position as shown inFIGS. 4aand 5a. In the illustrated initial position, the guide418remains stationary with respect to the track410. When the vehicle experiences the collision, the impact sensors sense an impact received during the collision to determine the crash event. As soon as the impact sensors sense the crash event, the impact sensors trigger the pyro pin420to severe the coupling between the seat cushion402and the track410.

Once the coupling is severed, the biasing element422pushes the seat cushion402and the seat back404towards the interior panel432. Further, the guide418moves along the longitudinal length L5of the track410to facilitate the displacement of the seat cushion402and the seat back404. As the guide418displaces the seat cushion402and the seat back404, the movement of the seat cushion402and the seat back404reduces the effect of the crash event on the occupant428thereby protecting the occupant428. In the illustrated example, the collision is a front collision. However, the collision can be a rear collision wherein the seat cushion402and the seat back404move away from the interior panel432.

FIGS. 6aand 6billustrate another vehicle seat600with a displaceable seat cushion602and a pivotable seat back604, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG. 6aillustrates the vehicle seat600in an initial position whileFIG. 6billustrates the vehicle seat600in a final position. The initial position refers to a position of the vehicle seat600before an event of sudden braking/deceleration or a crash event. The final position refers to a position of the vehicle seat600when the vehicle experiences an impact due to the sudden braking/deceleration or the crash event.

The vehicle seat600includes structural elements similar to the structural elements of the vehicle seat400as shown inFIG. 4a. For instance, the vehicle seat600includes a track606and a guide608. The guide608is coupled to the seat cushion602in such a way that the track606allows the guide608and the seat cushion602to displace relative to the one or more fixation points610on a plurality of legs612,614.

The vehicle seat600also includes structural elements that are similar to the structural elements of the vehicle seat300as shown inFIG. 3a. For instance, the seat back604is made of a plurality of sections616a,616b,616c, and616d, collectively referred to as a plurality of sections616, hereinafter. The seat back604further includes a plurality of pivot points618a,618b,618c, and618d, collectively referred to hereinafter as a plurality of pivot points618. Each of the plurality of pivot points618are positioned along a longitudinal length L6of the seat back604and are configured to pivotably couple with adjacent section of the plurality of sections616. Further, the pivot points618have similar construction as that of the pivot points312, as shown inFIG. 3a. Accordingly, each of the plurality of pivot points618includes a casing, a rotatable mount, a cutter, and a resistance material that offers the predetermined pivot resistance.

The vehicle seat600also includes a pyro pin620, similar to the pyro pin420shown inFIG. 4a. The pyro pin620couples the seat cushion602with the track606to prevent a displacement of the seat cushion602with respect to the track606unless triggered by impact sensors (not shown). The impact sensors trigger the pyro pin620on occurrence of the crash event. Although not shown, the vehicle seat600includes a biasing element like the biasing element422as shown inFIG. 4athat facilitates the displacement.

An operation of the vehicle seat600is now described. Initially, the vehicle seat600is at the initial position in which the seat cushion602is prevented from the displacement and the seat back604is prevented from being pivoted. Further, when the vehicle collides, the impact sensors sense the collision and accordingly, triggers the pyro pin620to allow displacement of the seat cushion602with respect to the one or more fixation points610along a longitudinal length L7of the track606. As the seat cushion602displaces, the seat cushion602reduces the effect of the crash event on an occupant624. Simultaneously, the impact enables the cutter to overcome the predetermined pivot resistance to severe the resistance material and allow pivoting of the seat back604. In this case, the remainder of the impact is offset by the resistance material that absorbs the energy from the impact and causes the pivoting of the seat back604. As a result, the combined effect of the seat back604and the seat cushion602protects the occupant624from the impact.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific aspects, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed aspects, as well as alternate aspects of the present disclosure, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the present disclosure. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure as defined.