Airbag Cushion Folding Sequence for Entanglement Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airbag devices with large cushions face entanglement issues when expanding and deploying, preventing the achievement of the anticipated deployed state.
Innovation Solution
The airbag device features a cylindrical inflator attached to the side panel, with specific folding steps to prevent entanglement, including a pull-out step for the bottom panel, rolling of the protruding part, and strategic folding to ensure the airbag cushion expands and deploys correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large airbag cushion is used to provide adequate protection, then the protective function is improved, but the airbag cushion occupies excessive space and requires increased gas generation capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cushion is divided into multiple deployment parts including a main deployment part and protruding parts. Each part serves specific protective functions: the main deployment part protects the torso and shoulders, while the protruding parts protect the head. This segmentation allows the airbag to provide comprehensive protection with reduced overall volume and gas generation requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple deployment parts are used to reduce airbag size, then space occupation is reduced, but entanglement occurs during expansion and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cushion is pre-folded into a specific configuration before deployment. The folding process creates a predetermined arrangement where the main deployment part and protruding parts are positioned to expand in sequence without interfering with each other. This preliminary folding action ensures that during inflation, the gas flow and expansion forces naturally unfold the airbag in the intended configuration, preventing entanglement and ensuring reliable deployment.
3Volume of moving object
If the airbag cushion is folded into a compact stowed state, then space for storage is reduced, but the folding process becomes complex and may cause entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cushion is folded using a nested configuration where the protruding parts are rolled and positioned within or adjacent to the main deployment part. The folding sequence creates a compact nested structure that maximizes space efficiency while maintaining a simple, repeatable folding pattern. This nested arrangement ensures that during deployment, the airbag unfolds in reverse sequence, naturally preventing entanglement.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide an airbag device and a manufacturing method thereof capable of favorably achieving an anticipated deployed state of the airbag cushion after completion of expansion. [Resolution Means] An airbag cushion, which expands and deploys between adjacent seats in a passenger compartment, is composed of a top panel and bottom panel that are separated and face each other in the vertical direction when deployed, side panels connecting the peripheral edges of the top panel and the bottom panel, a protruding part that protrudes upward from the top panel, and a cylindrical inflator attached along the inner surface of the side panel on the side of the protruding part, is stowed in a folded state by overlaying the top panel and the side panel provided with the attachment part of the inflator, and lining up a first roll part which is the protruding part rolled into a roll shape, a fold-back part which is the first side part folded back in a manner to cover the attachment part of the inflator, and a second roll part which is the second side part rolled into a roll shape, on top of the top panel with the second roll part in the center.