Adaptive Airbag Positioning Member for Oblique Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frontal airbag systems are inadequate in responding to oblique collision events, often resulting in injuries as occupants move in oblique directions, sliding off the airbag and into the vehicle's central console.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a positioning member, such as a tether or inflatable member, that allows the airbag to deploy in different configurations based on the type of collision event, adjusting its shape and position to better protect occupants during both frontal and oblique impacts by altering its deployment conformation in response to sensor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag deploys in a conventional fixed configuration, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot effectively protect occupants during oblique collision events
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic adaptive configuration through the introduction of positioning members (tethers or inflatable members) that adjust the airbag's deployed shape based on collision type. The positioning members can be deployed or inflated to guide the airbag into different configurations, enabling the system to adapt to both frontal and oblique collision events while maintaining structural complexity through modular components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag maintains a single deployment configuration, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it fails to address occupants moving in oblique directions
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is segmented into the airbag itself and separate positioning members (tethers or inflatable members) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using standard processes, then combined to create the adaptive deployment capability, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning members serve multiple functions: they can be tethers that deploy to guide airbag configuration, or inflatable members that expand to achieve the same effect. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both frontal and oblique collisions with a single adaptable mechanism, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the airbag deploys without positioning members, then the deployment speed is fast and direct, but occupants can slide off the airbag into the central console
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning members are deployed or inflated in advance of or simultaneously with the airbag deployment to pre-establish the desired airbag configuration. This preliminary action ensures the airbag assumes the correct shape before occupants make contact, preventing them from sliding off while maintaining rapid overall response time through coordinated deployment sequencing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This adaptive deployment strategy minimizes injuries from oblique collisions by ensuring the airbag extends inboard to catch occupants moving in oblique directions, maintaining a flat surface for reduced impact force and preventing them from rolling into the central console.
Implementation Method 1
the conformation of the airbag in the second configuration is at least partially dependent upon an interaction between the airbag and the inflatable member
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable airbag system can be configured to be mounted to a frontal region of a vehicle. The inflatable airbag system includes an airbag and a positioning member, and is configured to deploy in various configurations in response to frontal and oblique collision events. The positioning member can include a tether or an inflatable member.