Adaptive Airbag Deployment Based on Seat Gap Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle airbag deployment systems do not effectively determine the optimal gap distance behind a front seat to deploy airbags based on varying seat positions and occupant weights, leading to inefficient energy absorption during vehicle impacts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a computer communicating with sensors and devices to determine the gap distance behind a front seat, using image, triangulation, seat position, and weight data to selectively control the deployment of an airbag, adjusting deployment levels based on calculated gap distances and occupant weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If airbags are deployed based on fixed deployment criteria, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but deployment effectiveness varies with different gap distances and occupant weights
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag deployment system transitions from fixed static deployment criteria to dynamic adaptive deployment based on real-time detection of gap distance and occupant weight. The control system adjusts deployment parameters (timing, force, duration) dynamically according to the specific spatial and mass conditions detected, optimizing deployment effectiveness for each unique scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes deployment parameters (such as deployment force, timing, and duration) based on detected gap distance and occupant weight variables. By adjusting these parameters adaptively rather than using fixed deployment criteria, the system achieves reliable energy absorption across varying conditions without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
2Strength
If airbag deployment force is increased to ensure adequate energy absorption, then occupant protection is improved, but risk of injury from excessive force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts deployment parameters (force, timing, duration) based on detected gap distance and occupant weight to optimize the energy absorption profile. By changing these parameters adaptively, the airbag delivers sufficient force to absorb impact energy while avoiding excessive force that could cause injury, achieving the optimal balance between protection and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial deployment action when gap distance is small or occupant weight is low, and excessive action (full deployment) when gap distance is large or occupant weight is high. This adaptive partial/excessive action strategy ensures adequate energy absorption is achieved without applying unnecessarily high forces that could cause injury in situations requiring less deployment.
3Reliability
If airbags are deployed for all impact scenarios, then occupant safety is maximized, but unnecessary deployment increases system cost and potential harm
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect gap distance and occupant weight, providing feedback to the control system about the actual deployment conditions. Based on this feedback, the control system determines whether deployment is necessary and adjusts deployment parameters accordingly, avoiding unnecessary deployments while ensuring safety when needed. This feedback mechanism eliminates wasted energy from unnecessary deployments while maintaining high safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of gap distance and occupant weight before impact occurs, allowing the control system to pre-determine the appropriate deployment strategy. This preliminary action enables the system to avoid unnecessary deployments by identifying scenarios where deployment would not be beneficial, while being prepared to deploy appropriately when safety requires it.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer determines a gap distance behind a front seat. In response to detecting an impact of the vehicle, the computer selectively controls deployment of an airbag based at least in part on a gap distance behind the front seat. The computer may determine the gap distance based on seat position data, image data, weight data, triangulation data, and proximity data. The computer may be incorporated into an airbag deployment control system for deploying the airbag behind the front seat.