Safety module for a vehicle
By using hinges and ribs in the airbag system to restrict the separation of the cover, the problem of uncontrolled flight of the cover was solved, ensuring smooth airbag deployment and passenger safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-20
AI Technical Summary
In existing airbag systems, the cover plate is prone to uncontrolled separation and flight during airbag deployment, posing a safety hazard.
By incorporating a hinge and rib structure between the cover and the housing, the hinge consisting of curved and flat sections, and the ribs welded to the inner surface of the vehicle carrier, the cover separation is restricted, and a fracturing component is used to break under airbag pressure, allowing the cover to pivot.
It effectively prevents the cover from separating and flying off uncontrollably during airbag deployment, while ensuring unobstructed airbag deployment and improving vehicle passenger safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224013546U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of airbags and safety modules. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an improved safety module for a vehicle that allows the airbag to deploy unimpeded in the event of a collision while preventing the cover associated with the safety module from detaching and flying out uncontrollably during airbag deployment. Background Technology
[0002] The background description includes information that may help in understanding this utility model. This does not imply an admission that any information provided herein is prior art or related to the utility model claimed herein, nor does it imply that any specific or implied references to publications are prior art.
[0003] Airbags are an essential safety component in modern vehicles, designed to inflate rapidly and cushion passengers in the event of a collision, thereby reducing the risk of injury. Conventional airbag deployment systems include a guide element that directs the inflating airbag's path for optimal passenger protection.
[0004] In many existing safety systems, the guiding element has an opening or passage through which the airbag deploys during a collision. This passage is typically covered by a panel that is hinged to the guiding element. The panel is designed to open during deployment and allow the airbag to extend outward. However, a significant problem with these conventional systems is that the hinges connecting the panel to the guiding element can become compromised during the rapid and powerful inflation of the airbag.
[0005] The immense pressure exerted by the inflated airbag can cause the hinges to rupture, peel off, or detach from the guide elements. When this happens, the panels may completely separate from the guide elements, causing them to fly uncontrollably within the passenger compartment. This uncontrolled movement of the panels can pose a significant safety hazard to vehicle occupants, potentially causing injury or further exacerbating the risk of a collision.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to overcome the shortcomings, limitations, and deficiencies associated with existing airbag systems or safety modules by providing an improved solution that ensures the airbag deployment mechanism functions as intended while preventing uncontrolled separation and flight of the cover during airbag deployment.
[0007] The purpose of this disclosure
[0008] Some of the objectives of this disclosure are satisfied by at least one embodiment herein, as listed below.
[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an improved safety module for a vehicle that, while preventing the cover associated with the safety module from uncontrolled separation and flight during airbag deployment, allows the airbag to deploy unimpeded in the event of a collision. Utility Model Content
[0010] This disclosure relates to the field of airbags and safety modules. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an improved safety module for a vehicle that allows the airbag to deploy unimpeded in the event of a collision while preventing the cover associated with the safety module from detaching and flying out uncontrollably during airbag deployment.
[0011] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a safety module for a vehicle. The safety module includes a housing having an opening and one or more covers, the housing being adapted to accommodate an airbag associated with the safety module during airbag deployment, and the one or more covers being adapted to cover the opening of the housing. The one or more covers are connected to the housing by one or more hinges, wherein the one or more hinges are formed by one or more curved portions and one or more flat portions arranged adjacent to each other along the axis of the hinges. Furthermore, the one or more flat portions include one or more ribs projecting from the upper surface of the one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs being adapted to be welded to an inner surface of a carrier component of the vehicle. This arrangement of the one or more ribs adapted to be welded to the inner surface of the carrier component restricts the separation of the covers from the housing during airbag deployment.
[0012] In one aspect, the airbag may be configured to inflate upon deployment and extend out of the housing through an opening, while simultaneously moving one or more covers to an open position.
[0013] In one aspect, one or more covers may include a pair of panels arranged in the same plane when in their closed position. Each of the panels may be connected to the housing via a corresponding hinge, which may also be adapted to pivot under pressure applied by an airbag during deployment, allowing the panel to extend an opening while rotating about a hinge axis associated with the one or more hinges. In another aspect, one or more covers may include a single panel arranged in the same plane as the panels of the housing in the closed position.
[0014] In one aspect, the panels can be connected in the closed position by one or more fracturing members. The one or more fracturing members can be adapted to break under pressure applied by the airbag. After its deployment, the airbag can allow the separated panels to pivot. The separated panels can pivot in opposite directions.
[0015] In one aspect, one or more ribs may extend along at least the periphery or edge of one or more flat portions of one or more hinges.
[0016] In one aspect, one or more ribs extend along at least the portion between the center and the periphery or edge of one or more flat portions of one or more hinges. Wherein, along the length of one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs completely overlap one or more flat portions. Furthermore, along the width of one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs overlap only approximately one-third of one or more flat portions.
[0017] In one aspect, the one or more ribs may include a first weld rib extending along a first end of one or more flat portions, wherein the first end corresponding to the flat portion is connected to one or more covers. The one or more weld ribs may also include a second weld rib extending along a second end of one or more flat portions opposite to the first end, wherein the second end corresponding to the flat portion is connected to the housing.
[0018] In one aspect, one or more ribs may be centrally positioned and extended along the length of one or more flat portions of one or more lids.
[0019] In one aspect, one or more covers may also be connected to the housing via one or more second fracturing members adapted to rupture under pressure applied by the airbag during deployment, and correspondingly allowing the panel to pivot to the open position of the covers.
[0020] In one aspect, the housing may include a guide portion adapted to guide the deployment of the airbag.
[0021] In one aspect, the housing or safety module may be configured to be mounted at a predetermined location within a carrier of the vehicle. In another aspect, the carrier may be the vehicle's dashboard. In yet another aspect, the carrier may be associated with a group that includes a steering wheel, door panels, the rear side of the seats, the side-facing side of the seats, and the vehicle's roof panel. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.
[0023] In the figures, similar parts and / or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various parts of the same type can be distinguished by adding a second numeral after the reference numeral, which distinguishes similar parts. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar parts having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral.
[0024] Figure 1 An exemplary isometric view of a first embodiment of a security module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0025] Figure 2A An exemplary side cross-sectional view of the hinge region of a safety module having a curved portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0026] Figure 2B An exemplary side cross-sectional view of the hinge region of a safety module having a flat portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.
[0027] Figures 2C to 2G An exemplary top view of the hinge region of a safety module having ribs of different configurations, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.
[0028] Figure 3A An exemplary side cross-sectional view of a security module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in its normal (unexpanded) state, with the cover in the closed state.
[0029] Figure 3B An exemplary side cross-sectional view of a security module in an unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown, with the cover in the open state. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are described in such detail to clearly convey the present disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit contemplative variations of the embodiments; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0031] This disclosure relates to the field of airbags and safety modules. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an improved safety module for a vehicle that allows the airbag to deploy unimpeded in the event of a collision while preventing the cover associated with the safety module from detaching and flying out uncontrollably during airbag deployment.
[0032] According to one aspect, this disclosure describes a safety module for a vehicle. The safety module includes a housing having an opening and one or more covers, the housing being adapted to accommodate an airbag associated with the safety module during airbag deployment, and the one or more covers being adapted to cover the opening of the housing. The one or more covers are connected to the housing by one or more hinges, wherein the one or more hinges are formed by one or more curved portions and one or more flat portions arranged adjacent to each other along the axis of the hinges. Furthermore, the one or more flat portions include one or more ribs projecting from the upper surface of the one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs being adapted to be welded to an inner surface of a carrier component of the vehicle. This arrangement of the one or more ribs adapted to be welded to the inner surface of the carrier component restricts the separation of the covers from the housing during airbag deployment.
[0033] In one embodiment, the airbag may be configured to inflate upon deployment and extend out of the housing through an opening, while simultaneously moving one or more covers to an open position.
[0034] In one embodiment, one or more covers may include a pair of panels arranged in the same plane when in their closed position. Each of the panels may be connected to the housing via a corresponding hinge, which may also be adapted to pivot under pressure applied by an airbag during deployment, allowing the panel to extend an opening while rotating about a hinge axis associated with the one or more hinges. In another aspect, one or more covers may include a single panel arranged in the same plane as the panels of the housing in the closed position.
[0035] In one embodiment, the panels can be connected in the closed position by one or more fracturing members. The one or more fracturing members can be adapted to break under pressure applied by an airbag. Upon deployment, the airbag can allow the separated panels to pivot. The separated panels can pivot in opposite directions.
[0036] In one aspect, one or more ribs extend along at least the portion between the center and the periphery or edge of one or more flat portions of one or more hinges. Wherein, along the length of one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs completely overlap one or more flat portions. Furthermore, along the width of one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs overlap only approximately one-third of one or more flat portions.
[0037] In one embodiment, one or more ribs may extend along at least a portion of the periphery or edge of one or more flat portions of one or more hinges.
[0038] In one embodiment, one or more ribs may include a first weld rib extending along a first end of one or more flat portions, wherein the first end corresponding to the flat portion is connected to one or more covers. The one or more weld ribs may also include a second weld rib extending along a second end of one or more flat portions opposite to the first end, wherein the second end corresponding to the flat portion is connected to the housing.
[0039] In one embodiment, one or more ribs may be centrally positioned and extended along the length of one or more flat portions of one or more lids.
[0040] In one embodiment, one or more ribs may be constructed on the upper surface of one or more flat portions.
[0041] In one embodiment, one or more covers may also be connected to the housing via one or more second fracturing members adapted to rupture under pressure applied by the airbag during deployment, and correspondingly allow the panel to pivot to the open position of the covers.
[0042] In one embodiment, the housing may include a guide portion. The guide portion may be adapted to guide the deployment of the airbag.
[0043] In one embodiment, the housing or safety module may be configured to be mounted at a predetermined location within a carrier of the vehicle. In one aspect, the carrier may be the vehicle's dashboard. In another aspect, the carrier may be associated with a group that includes a steering wheel, door panels, rear sides of seats, side sides of seats, and the vehicle's roof panel.
[0044] refer to Figures 1 to 3B In one embodiment, a proposed safety module 100 is disclosed. The safety module 100 may include a hollow housing 102 having an opening 102-1. During airbag 300 deployment, the housing 102 may be adapted to receive the airbag 300 associated with the airbag system outside the housing 102 via the opening 102-1. The safety module 100 may also include one or more covers 104 (collectively referred to herein as covers or doors 104), which are attached to the housing 102 to close the opening 102-1, and as... Figure 3A The airbag 300 is fixed inside the housing 102 in the undeployed state shown.
[0045] In one embodiment, the cover 104 can be connected to the housing 102 (at the edge region R of the opening 102-1, such as) using one or more hinges 106-A to 106-N (collectively referred to herein as hinges 106) Figure 3A and 3B (As shown). Furthermore, one or more hinge members 106 may include those along the hinge member axis (e.g., Figure 1(As shown) One or more curved portions 106-1 and flat portions 106-2 (collectively referred to herein as flat portions 106-2) arranged adjacent to each other. Figures 2C to 2F As shown, the first end of the curved portion 106-1 and the flat portion 106-2 can be connected to the cover 104, and the second end of the curved portion 106-1 and the flat portion 106-2 can be connected to the housing 102.
[0046] The flat portion may also include one or more ribs 108 (collectively referred to herein as ribs or ribs 108), which are formed on the upper surface of the flat portion 106-2 of the hinge 106. One or more ribs 108 are adapted to be welded to the interior of the vehicle's load-bearing components, which can limit the cover 104 from flying or separating from the housing 102 when the cover 104 is opened when the airbag 300 deploys. Therefore, when the airbag 300 inflates in the event of a vehicle collision, the inflated airbag 300, which moves out of the housing 102 through the opening 102-1, can be guided by a guide portion (not shown) while simultaneously pivoting the cover 104 (panels 110-a, 110-B) outwards to the open position, as... Figure 3A As shown. However, rib 108 provides additional strength to hinge 106, allowing it to prevent the corresponding covers 104 (panels 110-A, 110-B) from flying or separating from housing 102 when the covers 104 are moved to the open position, without hindering airbag 300 deployment, as... Figure 3B As shown.
[0047] In one embodiment, the cover 104 may include a pair of panels 110-a, 110-B, which can be connected to each other via one or more first fracturing members 112. Furthermore, the cover 104 or its panels 110-a, 110-B can also be connected to the housing 102 via one or more second fracturing members 114, such that panels 110-a and 110-B are held connected to the housing 102 via hinges 106 and second fracturing members 114, while panels 110-a and 110-B are held connected via the first fracturing members 112.
[0048] The first fracturing member 112 and the second fracturing member 114 may be made of a fracturing material that holds the panels connected to each other and to the housing 102 to keep the opening closed under normal conditions, but ruptures under pressure applied by the airbag 300 during deployment, thereby separating the panels 110-A and 110-B and correspondingly allowing the separated panels 110-A and 110-B to extend the opening while rotating about the hinge axis A-A' associated with the hinge 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the first fracturing member 112 and the second fracturing member 114 may be made of thin-walled aluminum or plastic and / or perforated metal, alloy or plastic, but are not limited thereto, and may rupture under pressure acting on the panels 110-A, 110-B or the cover 104.
[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2C As shown, rib 108 may extend along the periphery or edge of the corresponding hinge 106 or flat portion 106-2. Furthermore, in another embodiment, as... Figure 2D As shown, rib 108 may extend along the length of the flat portion 106-2 or the hinge 106, such that rib 108 is held between and parallel to the opposite ends (first end and second end) of the corresponding flat portion 106-2. Furthermore, in another embodiment, as... Figure 2E As shown, the first welding rib 108-A can extend along the first end of the flat portion 106-2, and the second welding rib 108-B can extend along the second end of the flat portion 106-2 opposite to the first end.
[0050] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2F As shown, one or more ribs 108 may extend along at least the portion between the center and the periphery or edge of one or more flat portions 106-2 of one or more hinge members 106. More specifically, along the length of one or more flat portions 106-2, one or more ribs 108 may completely overlap one or more flat portions 106-2, wherein, along the width of one or more flat portions (106-2), one or more ribs 108 may overlap only about one-third of one or more flat portions 106-2. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, as... Figure 2GAs shown, a pair of first weld ribs 108-A can extend along opposing edges of the flat portion 106-2 between the first and second ends in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis A-A', and a second weld rib 108-B can extend along the length of the flat portion 106-2 or the hinge 106, such that the ribs 108 are held between and parallel to the opposing ends (first and second ends) of the corresponding flat portion 106-2. Therefore, these additional ribs 108 on the flat portion 106-2 of the hinge 106 can limit the generation of multiple hinge axes and direct all loads to the main hinge axis A-A', which allows for clear rotation of the cover 110 without uncontrolled separation from the housing 102.
[0051] refer to Figure 3A When the airbag 300 is deflated under normal conditions, the housing 102 can contain the airbag 300, and the cover 104 can secure the airbag 300. Since there is no pressure or force from the airbag 300, the first fracturing member 112 and the second fracturing member 114 can remain intact to maintain the connection of panels 110-A, 110-B. Furthermore, the hinge 106 can hold the cover 104 or panels 110-A, 110-B connected to the housing 102 to keep the opening 102-1 covered.
[0052] refer to Figure 3B When the airbag 300 inflates in the event of a vehicle collision, the housing 102 can guide the inflated airbag 300 out of the housing 102 through the opening 102-1, while simultaneously extending or rotating the cover 104 outward to the open position. Pressure or force from the inflated airbag 300 can cause the first fracturing member 112 and the second fracturing member 114 to break or rupture, thereby separating the panels 110-A and 110-B from each other to expose the opening in the housing 102. However, the rib 108 can hold the panels 110-A and 110-B attached to the housing 102 and prevent the corresponding cover 104 from flying or separating from the housing 102 when the cover 104 is moved to the open position, without hindering the deployment of the airbag 300.
[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that, although various embodiments and figures of this disclosure have been set forth for the sake of simplicity and better explanation, the teachings of this disclosure are equally applicable to safety modules 100 having any number of lids or panels without any limitation, and all such embodiments are fully within the scope of this disclosure.
[0054] In one embodiment, the housing 102 or safety module 100 may be configured to be mounted at a predetermined location within a carrier of the vehicle, such that only the door remains seamlessly visible from inside the vehicle. In one embodiment, the carrier for the airbag system or safety module 100 may be located at any one or a combination of the steering wheel, dashboard, door panel, rear side of the seat, side side of the seat, and roof panel of the vehicle, but is not limited thereto.
[0055] Therefore, this invention overcomes the disadvantages, limitations and deficiencies associated with existing airbag systems or safety modules by providing an improved safety module that ensures the airbag deployment mechanism functions as intended, while also preventing uncontrolled separation and flight of the cover during airbag deployment.
[0056] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described prior, other and further embodiments of the present invention may be designed without departing from its basic scope. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention when combined with information and knowledge available to those skilled in the art.
[0057] Advantages of this utility model
[0058] The proposed utility model overcomes the shortcomings, disadvantages and limitations associated with existing airbag systems and safety modules in vehicles.
[0059] The proposed utility model limits the peeling or breakage of the cover plate from the hinge area of the guide element.
[0060] The proposed utility model prevents the cover associated with the safety module from uncontrolled separation and flight during airbag deployment, while allowing the airbag to deploy unimpeded in the event of a collision.
[0061] The proposed utility model provides an improved safety module for vehicles that prevents the cover associated with the safety module from uncontrolled separation and flight during airbag deployment, while allowing the airbag to deploy unimpeded in the event of a collision.
Claims
1. A safety module (100) for a vehicle, the safety module (100) comprising: A housing (102) having an opening (102-1), the housing (102) being adapted to receive an airbag (300) associated with the safety module (100) during airbag (300) deployment; and One or more covers (104) adapted to cover an opening (102-1) of the housing (102), the one or more covers (104) being connected to the housing (102) by one or more hinges (106), wherein the one or more hinges (106) are formed by one or more curved portions (106-1) and one or more flat portions (106-2) arranged adjacent to each other along the hinge axis (A-A'), and The one or more flat portions (106-2) include one or more ribs (108) protruding from the upper surface of the one or more flat portions (106-2), the one or more ribs (108) being adapted to be welded to the inner surface of the vehicle's carrier.
2. The security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag (300) is configured to inflate upon deployment and extend out of the housing (102) through the opening (102-1), while simultaneously moving the one or more covers (104) to the open position.
3. The security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more covers (104) include a pair of panels (110-A, 110-B) arranged in the same plane when in their closed position, wherein each of the panels (110-A, 110-B) is connected to the housing (102) by a corresponding hinge (106), the hinge (106) being adapted to pivot under pressure applied by the airbag (300) during deployment to allow the panels (110-A, 110-B) to extend out of the opening (102-1) while rotating about a hinge axis (A-A') associated with the one or more hinges (106).
4. The security module (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pair of panels (110-A, 110-B) are connected to each other in the closed position by one or more first ruptureable members (112) configured to rupture under pressure applied by the airbag (300) when the airbag (300) is deployed, so as to allow the separated panels (110-A, 110-B) to pivot in opposite directions.
5. The security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ribs (108) extend along at least the periphery or edge of one or more flat portions (106-2) of the one or more hinges (106).
6. The security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ribs (108) extend along at least the portion between the center and the periphery or edge of one or more flat portions (106-2) of the one or more hinges (106).
7. The security module (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the length of the one or more flat portions (106-2), the one or more ribs (108) completely overlap with the one or more flat portions (106-2), wherein, along the width of the one or more flat portions (106-2), the one or more ribs (108) overlap with only about one-third of the flat portions (106-2).
8. The security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ribs (108) include: A first welding rib (108-A) extends along a first end of one or more flat portions (106-2), wherein the first end of the corresponding flat portion (106-2) is connected to one or more covers (104); and / or The second weld rib (108-B) extends along the second end of the one or more flat portions (106-2) opposite to the first end, wherein the second end of the corresponding flat portion (106-2) is connected to the housing (102).
9. The security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ribs (108) are located at the center of the length of one or more flat portions (106-2) of the one or more covers (104) and extend along the length.
10. The security module (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The one or more covers (104) are also connected to the housing (102) via one or more second ruptureable members (114) adapted to rupture under pressure applied by the airbag (300) during deployment, and correspondingly allow the panels (110-A, 110-B) to pivot to the open position of the covers (104).
11. The security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (102) includes a guide portion adapted to guide the deployment of the airbag (300).
12. The security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (102) or the safety module (100) is configured to be installed at a predetermined location in a carrier of the vehicle, wherein the carrier is associated with a group including a steering wheel, a dashboard, a door panel, the rear side of a seat, the side side of a seat, and the roof panel of the vehicle.