Airbag Active Vent Patch Mechanism for Gas Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag apparatuses face challenges in controlling the amount of gas discharged from vent holes, particularly in front airbags that protect drivers and passengers from strong impacts, which can lead to inadequate protection due to unpredictable gas leakage.
Innovation Solution
An airbag apparatus with an active vent mechanism featuring a patch that can open and close a vent hole, a coupling member, and a regulating member to control gas discharge, allowing for adjustable gas release based on the design of these components and the tension of the coupling member, which can be reduced using a releasing means such as a mechanically or electrically operable cutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas is discharged from the vent hole to control airbag pressure, then the airbag can provide better protection against head and neck impacts, but unpredictable gas leakage occurs leading to inadequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is pre-positioned to cover the vent hole before the airbag deploys. The coupling member is pre-configured with the patch and regulating member so that when the airbag inflates, the patch automatically moves to the correct position to control the vent hole opening, preventing unpredictable gas leakage while ensuring reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch acts as an intermediary component between the vent hole and the airbag internal pressure. It mediates the gas flow by selectively opening or closing the vent hole based on the coupling member's position, which is controlled by the regulating member, thereby preventing harmful gas leakage while maintaining protection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patch is coupled to the airbag to control vent hole opening, then gas discharge can be controlled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member integrates multiple functions: it couples the patch to the airbag, connects the regulating member, and provides the mechanical linkage for controlling the vent hole. By merging these components into a single integrated structure, the design achieves adaptable gas discharge control while minimizing the number of separate parts and overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves multiple purposes: it acts as a structural connector between the patch and airbag, provides a mounting point for the regulating member, and functions as the control element for vent hole opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby controlling device complexity while maintaining gas discharge adaptability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the coupling member tension is increased to ensure patch sealing, then gas leakage is prevented, but the patch cannot open the vent hole when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member's tension is made dynamic rather than static. During airbag deployment, high tension maintains patch sealing to prevent gas leakage. When the regulating member activates the releasing means, the tension dynamically decreases, allowing the patch to open the vent hole. This dynamic tension adjustment resolves the contradiction between sealing and venting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension parameter of the coupling member is changed based on operational requirements. The releasing means (such as a cutter or mechanical release) alters the coupling member's structural state, changing its tension from high (for sealing) to low (for opening). This parameter change enables the system to prevent gas leakage when needed while allowing vent hole opening when required.
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 solution effectively prevents unfavorable gas leakage and allows for precise control of gas discharge, enhancing the protection provided by the airbag by adjusting the amount of gas released based on collision speed and passenger characteristics, thereby improving injury criteria in vehicle accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the tension of the coupling member and the regulating member allows the patch to block the first vent hole
Implementation Method 2
a releasing means for reducing the tension of the coupling member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Problem: To provide an airbag apparatus which can appropriately control the amount of gas discharged from a vent hole. Resolution means: An active vent mechanism includes: a first vent hole formed in an airbag; a patch capable of releasing and closing a vent hole in accordance with the internal pressure of the airbag, with a portion of the patch coupled to the outer surface of the airbag; a coupling member having one end coupled to the patch, with the other end entering the airbag and coupled to the airbag; an opening provided in the vicinity of the first vent hole, with a portion of the patch or a portion of the coupling member penetrating through the opening; a substantially cylindrical regulating member into which the coupling member is inserted inside the airbag (wherein the airbag regulating member has: a first end coupled to the inner surface of the airbag so as to surround the opening inside the airbag; and a second end coupled to the coupling member in the sealed state); and a releasing means for reducing the tension of the coupling member. In addition, when the airbag is fully deployed, the patch is operable so as to block the first vent hole via the tension of the coupling member, while when the releasing means reduces the tension of the coupling member, the patch is operable so as to be separated from the outer surface of the airbag and thereby induce discharge from the first vent hole.