A system and method for delivering an axial compression load to a passenger during a frontal deceleration event is disclosed. The system includes a seat frame, a seat pan, and an impulse generator coupled to the seat pan configured to provide an axial compression load onto a spine of a sitting passenger during a forward deceleration event. The system further includes a controller configured to receive a forward deceleration signal from the inertial sensor and activate the impulse generator based on the forward deceleration signal. The impulse generator may generate a compressive force via a chemical reaction, via a mechanically stored energy, a solenoid switch, or via a rotating cam assembly.

A mining shuttle car that trams on underground roadways includes a conveyor system and an operator's compartment adjacent to the conveyor system. The operator's compartment includes a rotatable seat and a control station. The operator's seat module is coupled to one or more joysticks that control the car, and the operator's seat module and the control station are mounted on a rotatable platform so as to be rotatable as a unit between a plurality of secured positions for operating the mining shuttle car. Forward movement of the joystick control relative to the seat steers the shuttle car about a point in front of the seat, and rearward movement of the joystick control relative to the seat steers the shuttle car about a point behind the seat. Forward and rearward movement of one of the joysticks steers the mining shuttle car in the same manner regardless of the rotational position of the rotational position of the seat.

A seatback includes a lower frame, an upper frame, and a hinge coupling the lower and upper frames. An actuator is fixed relative to the lower frame, and a cable extends from the actuator to the upper frame. In the event of a collision, the actuator pulls the cable, and the upper frame moves from an upright position to a bent position relative to the lower frame.

Described is a breakover mechanism for a passenger seat that includes a frame member with a rear portion attached to two opposing sides of a seat back of the passenger seat wherein the frame member is at least partially disposed under a seat pan of the passenger seat, at least one moving portion attached to a forward portion of the frame member, a carriage portion fixedly attached to the seat pan; and a single point mechanism attached to the carriage portion. Once a threshold loading condition occurs, the single point mechanism changes states to facilitate movement of the moving portion relative to the carriage portion.

There is provided a seat break over device. The seat break over device features linkage members that connect the seat back to the quadrant arm. In the static condition, the linkage member acts as a rigid member, constraining rotation of the seat back relative to the quadrant arm. Upon impact of a certain inertial force, the linkage member interacts with a weighted member. The weighted member may include a suspended weight or mass that pivots about a horizontal axis. During a gravity load of a certain amount (e.g., a 16 g event), inertial loads act on the weighted member/hammer, which transfers a force onto the linkage member. This force moves the linkage member into an unstable mode, allowing forward rotation of the seat back with respect to the quadrant arm.

An apparatus for dynamically stiffening a vehicle seat back may include a vehicle seat including a seat bottom mountable within a vehicle, a seat back extending upwardly away from the seat bottom, and a bight defined at a forward-facing interface between the seat bottom and the seat back, an occupant restraint harness coupled to the vehicle seat and engaging a top end of the seat back, and a seat back stiffening apparatus having a seat back stiffening member and an actuator coupled to the occupant restraint harness adjacent to or near the bight of the vehicle seat. The actuator may be responsive to a first force applied thereto by the occupant restraint harness in excess of a first threshold force to deploy the seat back stiffening member to couple to and between the seat bottom and the seat back to add stiffness to the seat back frame.

A seat support system including a seat mount having multiple segments movable relative to each other between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration. The multiple segments include a first segment attached to a floor of a vehicle and a second segment connected to the first segment. A linear actuator is connected to the second segment and movable from a retracted position to an extended position to move the multiple segments from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration.

A seat support system including a seat mount having multiple segments movable relative to each other between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration. The multiple segments include a first segment attached to a floor of a vehicle and a second segment connected to the first segment. A linear actuator is connected to the second segment and movable from a retracted position to an extended position to move the multiple segments from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration.