Air Belt Device U-Shape Webbing Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air belt devices with inflatable webbing differ in texture from conventional seat belts, causing discomfort when grasped due to distinct deformation shapes.
Innovation Solution
The air belt device incorporates an airbag portion with a slack portion that is longer in the transverse direction than the reference portion, allowing the webbing to bend into a U-shape when grasped, matching the feel of conventional seat belts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the webbing is formed with an airbag portion in a bag shape, then the chest portion of the vehicle occupant can be supported over a broader surface area, but the texture felt when touching the webbing becomes different from conventional webbing
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag portion is segmented into a reference portion and a slack portion with different dimensional characteristics. The slack portion has a longer dimension in the webbing transverse direction compared to the reference portion, creating distinct functional zones that allow the webbing to deform into a U-shape when grasped, similar to conventional webbing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the airbag portion are given different local qualities. The slack portion is designed with greater transverse dimension to provide flexibility and U-shape deformation capability, while the reference portion maintains the structural integrity needed for broad surface area support. This local differentiation resolves the texture feel issue while preserving the expanded support function.
2Ease of operation
If the airbag portion is folded to form reference and slack portions, then the webbing can be deformed into a U-shape when grasped, but the structural complexity of the airbag portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag portion is pre-folded during manufacturing to create the reference portion and slack portion configuration. This preliminary folding action establishes the dimensional differences needed for U-shape deformation without requiring complex mechanical structures or additional components during operation. The folding is performed in advance to simplify the overall device structure while achieving the desired deformation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An air belt device is provided with a webbing that is fitted around a vehicle occupant who is sitting in a vehicle seat, and an airbag portion that is provided in parallel with the webbing and is inflated and deployed when gas is supplied to an interior thereof. The airbag is provided with a reference portion that forms a portion of the airbag and is formed as a result of the airbag being folded. The airbag is also provided with a slack portion that forms another portion of the airbag and is formed as a result of the airbag being folded, and that extends in parallel with the reference portion and whose dimension in the transverse direction of the webbing is set longer than a dimension in the transverse direction of the webbing of the reference portion.