Adaptive Vehicle Seat Energy Absorption for Multi-Directional Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag systems do not effectively accommodate passengers in autonomous vehicles who are seated in rearward or side-facing orientations during collisions, as they are designed primarily for forward-facing occupants.
Innovation Solution
A restraint system with an energy absorption member, such as an airbag, that expands from a stowed position to a deployed position, controlled by an impact sensing device and control module, to absorb energy and control occupant kinematics, accommodating various seat orientations including forward-facing, side-facing, and rearward-facing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional frontal airbags are used in autonomous vehicles, then forward-facing occupants are protected, but rearward-facing and side-facing occupants are not adequately protected during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a static, fixed-orientation design to a dynamic system that can sense impact conditions and adapt its deployment characteristics. The control module receives impact signals indicating orientation and magnitude, then adjusts airbag deployment accordingly to protect occupants in various seat orientations effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates impact sensing devices that detect impact orientation and magnitude, providing feedback to the control module. This feedback loop enables the system to determine the appropriate airbag deployment response based on real-time impact conditions and seat orientation data, ensuring reliable protection across different scenarios
2Reliability
If the energy absorption member is deployed in all impact scenarios, then occupant protection is maximized, but false deployment in non-impact situations increases system complexity and resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and assessment of impact conditions through impact sensing devices before triggering airbag deployment. By evaluating impact orientation and magnitude in advance, the control module can determine whether deployment is necessary, avoiding false activation while ensuring protection when truly needed
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system incorporates self-diagnostic and self-determination capabilities through integrated sensing and control modules. The system automatically assesses whether deployment conditions are met based on impact signals and seat orientation, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while maintaining reliable operation
3Reliability
If the airbag expands rapidly to provide immediate protection, then occupant safety is improved, but the force of expansion may cause injury to the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts deployment parameters such as inflation rate and gas generation quantity based on impact magnitude and seat orientation. By modifying these parameters according to the specific impact scenario, the airbag provides immediate protection while controlling expansion forces to prevent occupant injury
Solution Approach 2:
The control module modulates the airbag deployment to provide exactly the right amount of protection needed for each impact scenario. Rather than always deploying at maximum capacity, the system uses partial deployment when appropriate, generating just enough cushioning force to protect the occupant without causing harm from excessive expansion
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 provides effective energy absorption and kinematic control for occupants in diverse seating orientations, enhancing safety during impacts by adapting to the orientation and magnitude of the impact, and the specific seat configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorption member is expanded into a deployed position to absorb energy that would otherwise be imparted towards an occupant in the vehicle seat
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint system for a vehicle is disclosed. The restraint system includes a seat shaped to accommodate an occupant, wherein the seat includes a seat back and an energy absorption member that expands from a stowed position and into a deployed position. The energy absorption member fills a volume of space behind the seat back when in the deployed position to absorb energy that would otherwise be imparted towards an occupant of the seat during an impact involving the vehicle. The restraint system also includes an impact sensing device generating an impact signal in response to detecting the impact involving the vehicle is imminent. The impact signal indicates an orientation and magnitude of the impact involving the vehicle. The restraint system includes a control module in electronic communication with the energy absorption member and the impact sensing device.