Adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat

A method of absorbing energy, comprising:

• mitigating vibration experienced by a structure using a variable profile energy absorber that is operatively coupled between a vehicle and the structure by moving a moveable element of the variable profile energy absorber between the vehicle and the structure, the mitigating of the vibration including using a stiffness element coupled to the movable element;
• mitigating shock experienced by the structure during a shock event using a fixed profile energy absorber that is operatively coupled between the variable profile energy absorber and the structure by moving the fixed profile energy absorber in series with the variable profile energy absorber.

A method of absorbing energy in an existing vehicle seat assembly, the vehicle seat assembly comprising a vehicle seat and a structure with at least one fixed member and having at least one fixed profile energy absorber coupled to the seat to mitigate shock during a shock event, the method comprising:

• modifying the existing vehicle seat assembly to further include at least one variable profile energy absorber,
• operatively coupling the variable profile energy absorber between the vehicle seat and the structure to mitigate vibration experienced by the structure, and
• operatively coupling the fixed profile energy absorber to the variable profile energy absorber such that the variable profile energy absorber and the fixed profile energy absorber are arranged in series to mitigate vibration and shock.