Passive Adaptive Airbag Vent with Movable Vane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbags lack adaptive venting mechanisms that can adjust to accommodate occupants of varying physical stature without the need for electronics or sensors, which can affect their performance in protecting drivers of different sizes during accidents.
Innovation Solution
A passive adaptive vent system in the airbag module featuring a movable vane and tether mechanism that changes state from open to closed or vice versa, allowing the airbag to adjust its venting based on the occupant's size by using a control tether and main tether system, ensuring optimal gas management and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed vent size is used in the airbag, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to occupants of different sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The vent mechanism transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic state by incorporating a movable vane that can shift between open and closed positions. The vane is connected to a control tether that responds to airbag inflation forces, automatically adjusting the vent opening area based on the deployed airbag's interaction with the occupant, thereby achieving adaptability without complex electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent system operates autonomously using the airbag's own inflation process to control the vane position. The control tether is threaded through the face panel and connected to the vane, creating a self-regulating mechanism where the airbag's deployment force directly actuates the vent adjustment without requiring external sensors or power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a passive adaptive vent system is added to adjust for different occupant sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control tether serves as an intermediary element that translates the mechanical force from airbag inflation into vane movement. By threading the tether through the face panel opening and connecting it to the vane, the system creates a simple mechanical linkage that mediates between the airbag's deployment force and the vent adjustment requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The main tether serves multiple functions: it restrains the face panel during deployment and simultaneously acts as a guide for the control tether. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining adaptability across different occupant sizes.
3Speed
If the vent remains open during inflation, then the inflation speed is fast, but the pressure control for different sized occupants is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vent operates in periodic phases: initially open to allow rapid inflation, then automatically closing as the airbag interacts with the occupant. The control tether translates the periodic force changes during deployment into corresponding vane movements, creating a time-dependent venting pattern that matches the inflation sequence and occupant interaction phases.
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
The system effectively adapts to protect occupants of different sizes by controlling gas release, maintaining adequate inflation for smaller occupants while increasing pressure for larger ones, enhancing safety without the need for electronics or sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the vent having a movable vane which when moved causes the vent to change state from open to closed or from closed to open
Implementation Method 2
movement of the end of the control tether in a first direction, generally that of the inflating air bag, causes the other end of the control tether secured to the vane to be moved in a direction different than the first direction
Implementation Method 3
maintaining adequate inflation for smaller occupants while increasing pressure for larger ones
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag module comprising an airbag (50) having a passive adaptive vent on a rear panel of the airbag, the vent having a movable vane which when moved causes the vent (200) to change state from open to closed or from closed to open, the airbag further including a main tether (100) secured to a face panel (54) of the airbag, the main tether moving with the face panel, the main tether having an opening (130) into which is threaded a portion of a control tether (80), the control tether is connected to the vane (210) and to the face panel, wherein movement of the end of the control tether in a first direction generally that of the inflating air bag causes the other end of the control tether secured to the vane to be moved in a direction different than the first direction.