Passenger Airbag Cut-Piece Layout for Vehicle Geometry Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger airbag designs require complex adjustments to fit varying vehicle geometries, involving multiple cut pieces and intricate sewing, which complicates the assembly and adjustment process.
Innovation Solution
A passenger airbag composed of two cut pieces with distinct shapes, where one piece forms an irregularly shaped airbag portion and the other an inner fabric portion for fastening, allowing for separate adjustments to fit different vehicle interior configurations without significantly altering the remaining shape, facilitated by a U-shaped first cut piece and an elongate second cut piece with adjustable dimensions and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the airbag is assembled from multiple cut pieces to achieve complex three-dimensional shape, then the airbag can fit the clearance between windscreen and instrument panel, but the sewing operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into two functional segments: an inner fabric portion that lines the module housing and forms the inflation orifice, and an outer airbag portion that provides the cushioning function. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the inner portion can be simple and easy to manufacture, while the outer portion achieves the required complex three-dimensional shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the lining function from the main airbag structure by using a separate inner fabric portion. This extracted inner portion is specifically designed to line the module housing and form the inflation orifice, while the outer airbag portion focuses solely on providing the cushioning function with its complex shape.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag geometry is adjusted to fit different vehicle interior configurations, then the airbag can accommodate changes in module housing position or shape, but the overall airbag design must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the airbag into inner and outer portions with distinct functions, the invention allows the outer airbag portion to be adjusted for different vehicle geometries without affecting the inner fabric portion that forms the inflation orifice. This segmentation enables independent optimization and adjustment of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by giving different regions of the airbag system different functions and properties. The inner fabric portion has the local quality of forming a tight seal around the inflation orifice, while the outer airbag portion has the local quality of providing cushioning volume. This allows localized adjustments without redesigning the entire system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the airbag is designed as a single integrated structure, then the assembly is simple, but adjustments to vehicle geometry require complete redesign of the airbag
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is segmented into two independently manufacturable components: the inner fabric portion and the outer airbag portion. This segmentation maintains assembly simplicity through clear functional separation while enabling independent adjustment of the outer portion to accommodate different vehicle geometries without redesigning the inflation system.
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
Enables easy adjustment to changing vehicle geometries by separating the airbag's shape and fastening functions, minimizing design and manufacturing complexities, and allowing for geometric simplicity and flexibility in airbag deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a U-shaped inner fabric portion is disposed which is provided to line a module housing and which forms an inflation orifice through which gas released by a gas generator flows into the airbag
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger airbag (12) of a vehicle occupant restraint system (10) is assembled from a first cut piece and a second cut piece, the first cut piece being U-shaped and including a transverse leg, with two longitudinal legs projecting from the opposite ends of the transverse leg. At an inner face (56) of the transverse leg located between the longitudinal legs, a U-shaped inner fabric portion is disposed which is provided to line a module housing and which forms an inflation orifice. The second cut piece has an elongate shape and is connected, at a short lateral edge, to the inner fabric portion to circumferentially close the latter and the inflation orifice. The dimensions of the inner fabric portion are adjusted to a depth (t) of the module housing (18) such that, in the filled state of the passenger airbag (12), the inner face (56) of the first cut piece is positioned at an upper edge (80) of the module housing (18).