Air Cushion Closure Element for Airbag Restraint Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air bag restraint systems face challenges in maintaining the restraint function over time due to equal inflow and outflow of air, which can lead to reduced effectiveness in protecting vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, channel-shaped closure element is integrated into the air cushion's openings to control airflow, allowing unimpeded inflow while partially preventing outflow, utilizing a tube-like design that tilts to close during reverse airflow, and can be reinforced with nets or additional structures for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If air flow-through openings are provided in the air cushion for deploying the air bag, then the air bag can be unfolded quickly by allowing surrounding air to flow in, but the air flows out at the same speed as inflow when restraining the occupant, reducing the duration of the restraint function
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed to dynamically change its state based on airflow direction. During deployment, the element remains open to allow rapid air inflow. During restraint, the element closes to prevent air outflow. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing airflow characteristics for different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element automatically responds to airflow direction without external control. The element tilts or closes in response to reverse airflow (outflow condition) and opens in response to forward airflow (inflow condition), enabling self-regulation of air pressure maintenance during the restraint phase.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a closure element is added to prevent air outflow from the air cushion, then the restraint function duration is improved by maintaining air pressure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is constructed from flexible material that can deform and tilt in response to airflow pressure. This flexible membrane approach achieves the air pressure maintenance function without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems, seals, or multiple moving parts, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element utilizes dynamic response to airflow direction rather than static mechanical components. The element automatically opens or closes based on the airflow regime, eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, or control mechanisms that would significantly increase device complexity.
3Reliability
If the closure element is designed to close during reverse airflow to maintain air pressure, then the restraint effectiveness is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to the flexible channel-shaped design
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is manufactured as a flexible component that can be integrated into the air cushion assembly. The flexible material allows the element to be formed into the required channel-shaped geometry and enables automatic tilting/closing behavior through material deformation rather than complex mechanical assemblies, improving manufacturability while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element can be designed as a separate modular component that is attached to the air cushion at specific locations. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the closure element using appropriate flexible materials and processes, then integration into the overall air bag system, balancing manufacturing ease with functional reliability.
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 enhances the restraint function by maintaining air pressure within the air bag, ensuring effective protection by restricting airflow out of the air bag, thereby improving the overall safety and duration of the restraint mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
Gas can flow through the opening in a largely unimpeded manner thereby in the direction of the free end. With a gas flow in the reverse direction, the tube or parts thereof tilts in such a manner that the opening is closed at least partially.
Data Source
AI summary
The restraining function of support structure airbags in particular and mechanical airbags should be able to be specifically guaranteed in a simple manner. To this end, an air cushion for an airbag of a motor vehicle is provided, having a sleeve with at least one opening and a closure element arranged on the at least one opening in order to at least partially prevent air from flowing from a first direction, Furthermore, the closure element is flexible and has a channel-shaped design at least upon the flow of air from a second direction opposite the first direction. The closure element thus has the effect of a check valve.