SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETRACTING THE AIRBAG IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and a method for deploying airbags in a vehicle. The airbag deployment system (100) comprises an airbag (114) with discharge holes (116), an air release device (102), and a control unit. The control unit activates the air release device (102) to create a vacuum inside the air release device (102), which facilitates the deflation of the airbag (114). During deflation, an inflation gas (118) is drawn from the airbag (114) through the discharge holes (116) into the deflation device (102). The deflation device (102) comprises a cylindrical housing (104), a pyrotechnic mechanism (106), and a piston (108). Activation of the venting device (102) includes triggering the pyrotechnic mechanism (106) which moves the piston upwards, creating the vacuum that draws the inflation gas (118) from the airbag (114) into the venting device (102).The system (100) ensures a fast and efficient deflation of the airbag to guarantee vehicle occupants a clear view after an accident.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for deploying airbags in vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and a method for facilitating the deployment of airbags using a vacuum-based system in a post-accident scenario. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle safety systems, particularly airbags, have been significantly improved over the years to protect occupants in vehicle accidents. These safety systems are designed to minimize the impact and potential injuries to the occupants in the event of a crash. In a typical scenario, airbags inflate rapidly when an impact is detected, acting like a cushion between the occupants and the vehicle's interior, absorbing a significant portion of the impact force. One such type of airbag is the curtain airbag, which deploys to cover the entire window and side panel area of ​​the vehicle, as well as a portion of the lower body. This type of airbag is particularly effective in a side impact, protecting the head and upper body of the occupants.

[0003] However, the deployment of the curtain airbag presents a particular challenge. Once inflated, the curtain airbag obstructs the view of both the occupant and bystanders, which can be especially detrimental in remote or deserted areas where help is not readily available. The inflated airbag prevents the occupant from calling for help or assessing the situation, such as the vehicle's orientation, which is crucial for finding an escape route. For example, if the vehicle has rolled onto its side, escape from the other side becomes difficult because the inflated airbag blocks the way. Therefore, the issues associated with the inflated airbag must be addressed to ensure unobstructed visibility and passage for the occupants in a post-impact scenario.

[0004] Patent documents such as US6814372B1 and US2022227328A1 have attempted to solve these problems. US6814372B1 discloses a device for venting an inflatable restraint system. The device comprises a pyrotechnic cylinder that is communicatively connected to a control unit, a selectively pivoting door that selectively seals and / or covers an opening within the assembly, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is coupled to the cylinder, which selectively engages and disengages the door to vent air through the opening in the assembly. US2022227328A1 discloses an airbag venting device for controlling the internal pressure of a vehicle's airbag. The venting device comprises a housing with two openings, an adjustable closure element, and an actuating device.The actuation device includes a pyrotechnic igniter that interacts with the closure element to open and / or close the flow orifice, allowing gas to escape from the airbag. However, these solutions do not fully address the issue of rapid and complete airbag deflation to ensure unobstructed visibility or passage for the occupant in a post-impact scenario.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to overcome the aforementioned problems and other limitations associated with the state of the art. TASK OF INVENTION

[0006] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for retracting the inflated airbag in a vehicle in a post-accident scenario.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for retracting the inflated airbag in order to allow the occupant an unobstructed view out of the vehicle window in a scenario following an accident.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for retracting the inflated airbag in order to allow the occupant unimpeded passage through the vehicle window in a scenario following an accident. SUMMARY

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an airbag deployment system is provided. The airbag deployment system comprises an airbag with one or more vent holes, a deflation device connected to the airbag through the vent holes, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to activate the deflation device to create a vacuum inside the deflation device, which facilitates the deflation of the airbag. During deflation, inflation gas is drawn from the airbag through the vent holes into the deflation device.

[0010] Furthermore, the air release device comprises a cylindrical housing with intake openings at one end and exhaust openings at the other, a pyrotechnic mechanism, and a piston. The piston is housed within the casing and connected to the pyrotechnic mechanism. When the air release device is activated, the pyrotechnic mechanism is triggered, causing the piston to move upwards within the casing. This upward movement creates a vacuum inside the release device, which draws the inflation gas from the airbag through the exhaust openings, which are connected to the intake openings of the release device, and into the device.

[0011] As the piston moves upwards, the air in the air release valve escapes through the vent holes, so that the piston reaches the top of the air release valve and the airbag is completely deflated.

[0012] The control unit is configured to activate the air release after a predefined delay of 2.5 minutes following the detection of airbag deployment. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to activate the air release based on a signal received from a vehicle impact sensor indicating a vehicle impact.

[0013] Furthermore, the airbag is a curtain airbag, and the air release is configured so that it can be attached to a door panel of the vehicle.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for inflating an airbag in a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a signal from an impact sensor indicating the impact of the vehicle in a post-impact event; determining the inflation of an airbag based on the received signal using a control unit; and activating a deflation device after a predefined delay following the determination of airbag inflation by the control unit, in order to generate a negative pressure inside the deflation device to facilitate the deflation of the airbag.

[0015] Activating the air release device involves triggering the pyrotechnic mechanism, which causes the piston within the air release device to move upwards. This upward movement is configured to create a vacuum inside the release device, drawing the inflation gas from the airbag through one or more discharge holes into the device. The airbag's discharge holes are connected to the air release device's intake holes. The piston's upward movement also causes the air in the release device to escape through the vent holes.

[0016] The preceding sections were given as a general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, along with further advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic representation of an airbag retrieval system. Fig. Figure 2 is an exemplary schematic representation of the activation of the air release valve to initiate the deployment of the airbag. Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary schematic representation showing the deflated state of the airbag. Fig. Figure 4 is an example block diagram of the airbag retraction system. Fig. Figure 5 is an example flowchart showing a procedure for rolling up the airbag in a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Aspects of the present invention are best understood by reference to the description contained herein. All aspects described herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following descriptions. However, it should be understood that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred aspects and numerous specific details thereof, are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be treated as limitations. Changes and modifications may be made within the scope described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the present invention includes all such modifications.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and methods for deploying airbags in a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and a method for facilitating the deployment of airbags using a vacuum-based system in a post-accident scenario.

[0019] The present invention relates to an airbag deployment system for a vehicle. Upon activation, the system utilizes a vacuum-based mechanism to facilitate the deflation of the airbag after it has been deployed in an accident.

[0020] The airbag deployment system consists of an airbag with one or more deflation holes, a deflation device, and a control unit. The one or more deflation holes facilitate airbag deflation by allowing air to be extracted from the airbag using the deflation device. The deflation device is connected to the airbag via the deflation holes. The deflation device is activated by the control unit. The control unit is configured to activate the deflation device to create a vacuum inside it, which facilitates airbag deflation.

[0021] The airbag deflator consists of a cylindrical housing with one or more intake holes at one end and one or more exhaust holes at the other, a pyrotechnic mechanism, and a piston. The piston is located inside the housing and is functionally connected to the pyrotechnic mechanism. Activating the deflator triggers the pyrotechnic mechanism, causing the piston to move upwards within the housing. This upward movement creates a vacuum inside the deflator, drawing inflation gas from the airbag through the exhaust holes into the deflator. The airbag's exhaust holes are connected to the intake holes of the deflator.

[0022] As the piston moves upwards, the air trapped between the piston and the other end of the housing in the vent escapes through the vent holes. This allows the piston to reach the top of the vent, completely deflating the airbag.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate the air release device after a predefined delay of 2.5 minutes following the detection of airbag inflation, in order to give the vehicle occupants sufficient time to react to and adjust to the situation after the impact. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to activate the air release device based on a signal received from a vehicle impact sensor indicating a vehicle impact.

[0024] In one embodiment, the airbag is a curtain airbag, and the air release valve is configured so that it can be attached to a door panel of the vehicle.

[0025] The present invention also describes a method for inflating an airbag in a vehicle. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a signal from an impact sensor indicating the impact of the vehicle in a post-impact event; determining the inflation of an airbag based on the received signal using a control unit; and activating a venting device after a predefined delay following the control unit's determination of airbag inflation, in order to create a negative pressure inside the venting device to facilitate airbag deflation.

[0026] Activating the air release device involves triggering the pyrotechnic mechanism, which causes the piston within the air release device to move upwards. This upward movement is configured to create a vacuum inside the release device, drawing the inflation gas from the airbag through one or more discharge holes into the device. The airbag's discharge holes are connected to the air release device's intake holes. The piston's upward movement also causes the air in the release device to escape through the vent holes.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary schematic representation of an airbag retraction system 100. The airbag retraction system 100 comprises an airbag 114 with one or more discharge holes 116, an air release device 102, and a control unit 402 (in Fig. (Figure 4). The control unit 402 is configured to activate the air release device 102 to create a vacuum inside the air release device 102, which facilitates the deflation of the airbag 114. During deflation of the airbag 114, an inflation gas 118 is drawn from the airbag 114 through one or more outlet holes 116 into the deflation device 102. In one embodiment, the inflation gas 118 can be, among other things, nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar), compressed air, or any other gas known to a person skilled in the art.

[0028] Furthermore, the air release device 102 comprises a cylindrical housing 104 with one or more intake holes 112 at a first end and one or more vent holes 110 at a second end of the cylindrical housing 104, a pyrotechnic mechanism 106, and a piston 108. The pyrotechnic mechanism 106 and the piston 108 are located within the cylindrical housing 104 and are functionally connected. The piston 108 is configured to move upward toward the second end within the cylindrical housing 104 when the pyrotechnic mechanism 106 is activated by the control unit 402. The upward movement of the piston 108 creates a negative pressure inside the air release device 102, which draws the inflation gas 118 from the airbag 114 through the outlet holes 116 into the air release device 102.The discharge holes 116 of the airbag 114 are connected to the intake holes 112 of the discharge device 102.

[0029] Furthermore, the upward movement of the piston 108 causes the air located between the piston 108 and the second end of the housing 104 in the air release device 102 to escape through the vent holes 110. This allows the piston 108 to reach the top of the air release device 102, resulting in complete deflation of the airbag 114.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows the activation of the air release device 102 to initiate the deployment of the airbag. The air release device 102 is activated by the control unit 402, which triggers the pyrotechnic mechanism 106. The triggering of the pyrotechnic mechanism 106 causes the piston 108 to move upwards within the housing 104. The upward movement of the piston 108 creates a vacuum in the air release device 102. This vacuum causes the inflation gas 118 from the airbag 114 to be drawn through the outlet holes 116 into the deflation device 102 (as shown in Figure 2). Fig. 2 shown).

[0031] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the airbag 114 in a deflated state, with the piston 108 reaching the top of the housing 104. The one or more vent openings 110 at the other end of the housing 104 cause the air to escape from the air release device 102 as the piston 108 moves upwards within the housing 104, allowing the piston 108 to reach the top of the air release device 102, resulting in complete deflation of the airbag 114 (as shown in Figure 3). Fig. 3 shown).

[0032] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary block diagram illustrating the connection between the impact sensor 122, the control unit 402, and the air release device 102 of the airbag deployment system 100. The control unit 402 communicates with the impact sensor 122 and the air release device 102. Upon impact, the impact sensor 122 detects the impact and sends an impact signal to the control unit 402. The control unit 402 is configured to activate the air release device 102 by outputting a control signal as soon as it receives the impact signal.

[0033] In one embodiment, the control unit 402 waits a predefined delay of 2.5 minutes after receiving the impact signal before activating the air release device 102. This delay ensures that airbag inflation only begins after a sufficient time following the impact, giving the vehicle occupants ample time to react and adjust to the situation. Upon activation, the air release device 102 functions as a vacuum-based airbag retraction system, enabling the deflation of the airbag 114. In one embodiment, the control unit 402 has a built-in timer and measures the time by starting the timer.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the pyrotechnic mechanism 106 comprises a pyrotechnic charge in a pressure-resistant casing, an ignition system, and a timing unit. The pyrotechnic charge, which contains a mixture of oxidizers and fuels, is designed to produce a controlled explosion or effect. The electrical or mechanical ignition system triggers the reaction by applying a precise trigger, such as an electric current or a mechanical shock, to the charge. The timing unit, which may include a delay fuse or an electronic timer, ensures that ignition occurs at a specific time or under specific conditions. The casing is designed to direct the resulting gases and energy in a controlled manner to move the piston 108 upwards within the casing 104.

[0035] In one embodiment, the airbag 114 is a curtain airbag and the air release device 102 is configured so that it can be attached to a door panel of the vehicle.

[0036] In one embodiment, the inflation of the airbag 114 after the impact is carried out by an inflation device 120.

[0037] In one embodiment, the control unit 402 typically comprises a microcontroller or microprocessor that executes the control algorithms, memory units (RAM, ROM, or Flash) for storing data and instructions, input and / or output interfaces for communication with the crash sensor 122 and the air release device 102, and power supply circuits to ensure stable operation. Furthermore, the control unit 402 may include communication modules such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or CAN bus interfaces for external connectivity and data exchange with other systems.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5 shows an example flowchart of a procedure 500 for retracting an airbag in a vehicle. The procedure 500 is configured to be performed by the airbag retraction system 100.

[0039] In step 502, the method 500 may include the step of receiving a signal indicating the impact of the vehicle from the impact sensor 122. In one embodiment, the impact sensor 122 may include, among other things, accelerometers, pressure sensors, tachometers, and any other sensor known to a person skilled in the art.

[0040] In step 504, process 500 can include the step of determining the inflation of an airbag 114 based on the signal received in step 502 using a control unit 402. In one embodiment, the control unit 402 can be programmed to count down for a preset time, allowing sufficient time for the airbag 114 to fully inflate after impact. In one embodiment, the inflation of the airbag 114 after impact is carried out by an inflation device 120.

[0041] In step 506, the method 500 can include the activation of an air release device 102 after a predefined delay following the detection of airbag inflation 114 by the control unit 402 in step 504. In one embodiment, the control unit 402 can be programmed to count a predefined time to allow the vehicle occupants sufficient time after the airbag 114 has fully deployed to react and adapt to the situation. Furthermore, the activation of the air release valve 102 includes the triggering of the pyrotechnic mechanism 106 by the control unit 402. The triggering of the pyrotechnic mechanism 106 causes the piston 108 to move upwards within the cylindrical housing 104.The upward movement of piston 108 creates a vacuum inside the air release device 102, causing the inflation gas 118 from the airbag 114 to be drawn through the outlet holes 116 into the air release device 102. The outlet holes 116 of the airbag 114 are connected to the intake holes 112 of the deflation device 102. Furthermore, the upward movement of piston 108 causes the air in the air release device 102 to escape through the vent holes 110. This allows piston 108 to reach the top of the air release device 102, resulting in complete deflation of the airbag 114.

[0042] The present invention offers a solution that not only enables the release of the inflation gas from the airbag, but also provides a mechanism for the rapid and efficient deflation of the airbag. This ensures that the view of the occupant and bystanders is not obstructed for an extended period, which can be critical in emergency situations.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention enhances safety after an accident by ensuring timely airbag deflation. This can be crucial in situations where the inflated airbag poses a danger to the occupants or hinders rescue efforts. By providing a mechanism for rapid airbag deflation, the invention also minimizes the potential for injury resulting from prolonged exposure to the inflated airbag.

[0044] These embodiments serve only to illustrate the inventive concepts contained herein. Other embodiments and modifications can be made to the compositions and processes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 6814372B1

[0004] US 2022227328A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Airbag retraction system (100) for a vehicle comprising the following: an airbag (114) with one or more exit holes (116); a discharge device (102) which is connected to the airbag (114) through the one or more discharge holes (116); and a control unit (402) which is communicatively connected to the emptying device (102); wherein the control unit (402) is configured to activate the deflation device (102) to create a vacuum inside the deflation device (102) which facilitates the deflation of the airbag (114); and wherein during the deflation of the airbag (114) an inflation gas (118) is drawn from the airbag (114) through one or more escape holes (116) into the deflation device (102). [2] Airbag retraction system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the emptying device (102) comprises: a cylindrical housing (104) with one or more intake holes (112) at a first end and one or more vent holes (110) at a second end of the housing (104); a pyrotechnic mechanism (106); and a piston (108) which is housed in the casing (104) and functionally connected to the pyrotechnic mechanism (106). [3] Airbag retraction system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the activation of the air release device (102) comprises: the triggering of the pyrotechnic mechanism (106), which causes an upward movement of the piston (108) in the housing (104); wherein the upward movement of the piston (108) is configured to create the vacuum inside the emptying device (102), thereby causing that the inflation gas (118) from the airbag (114) is drawn through the one or more outlet holes (116) into the discharge device (102), wherein the one or more outlet holes (116) of the airbag (114) are coupled to the one or more intake holes (112) of the discharge device (102). [4] Airbag retraction system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the upward movement of the piston (108) causes the air in the venting device (102) to escape through the one or more vent holes (110), thereby enabling the piston (108) to reach the top of the venting device (102), resulting in complete deflation of the airbag (114). [5] Airbag retraction system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (402) is configured to activate the air release device (102) after a predefined delay of 2.5 minutes after the detection of the inflation of the airbag (114). [6] Airbag retraction system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (402) is configured to activate the air release device (102) on the basis of a signal received from an impact sensor (122) of the vehicle indicating the impact of the vehicle. [7] Airbag retraction system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the airbag (114) is a curtain airbag and the air release device (102) is configured to be attached to a door panel of the vehicle. [8] Method (500) for retracting an airbag into a vehicle, the method comprising: Receiving a signal from an impact sensor (122) indicating the impact of the vehicle in a post-impact event; Determining the inflation of an airbag (114) based on the received signal using a control unit (402); and Activation of a deflation device (102) after a predefined delay following the determination of airbag inflation (114) by the control unit (402), to create a vacuum within the emptying device (102) to facilitate the deflation of the airbag (114); wherein during the deflation of the airbag (114) an inflation gas (118) is drawn into the deflation device (102) from the airbag (114) through one or more outlet holes (116) of the airbag (114). [9] Method for deploying an airbag according to claim 8, wherein the deflation device (102) comprises a cylindrical housing (104) with one or more intake holes (112) at a first end and one or more vent holes (110) at a second end of the housing (104), a pyrotechnic mechanism (106) and a piston (108) which is housed in the housing (104) and is functionally connected to the pyrotechnic mechanism (106); wherein the activation of the deflation device (102) comprises: the triggering of the pyrotechnic mechanism (106), which causes an upward movement of the piston (108) in the emptying device (102); wherein the upward movement of the piston (108) is configured to create the vacuum within the emptying device (102), thereby causing that the inflation gas (118) from the airbag (114) is drawn through the one or more outlet holes (116) into the deflation device (102), wherein the one or more outlet holes (116) of the airbag (114) are coupled to the one or more intake holes (112) of the deflation device (102); and wherein the upward movement of the piston (108) causes the air in the venting device (102) to escape through one or more vent holes (110).

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