Airbag Door Panel Deformation via Viscoelastic Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag deployment systems lack flexibility and adaptability for various seating arrangements and types of impacts, and there is a need for improved designs that prevent the door panel from becoming a projectile during deployment.
Innovation Solution
An airbag system with a deformable door panel made from flexible materials like thermoplastic or composite materials, secured to a back plate frame via flange portions, which allows the door panel to disengage and deploy outwardly upon pressure, utilizing a fixation system to prevent it from becoming a projectile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the door panel is made from rigid materials to prevent passenger tampering, then security is improved, but the door panel cannot deform outwardly upon airbag deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The door panel utilizes a viscoelastic material whose mechanical properties change based on temperature and time parameters. At room temperature, the material maintains high rigidity to prevent tampering, while under the rapid pressure of airbag deployment, it transitions to a deformable state, allowing the panel to bow outward and release the airbag.
Solution Approach 2:
The door panel is constructed from viscoelastic composite materials that combine the structural integrity needed for security with the deformation capability required for deployment. These composite materials exhibit both elastic and viscous characteristics, enabling them to resist normal forces while deforming under specific pressure conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door panel is made from flexible materials to allow deformation upon deployment, then adaptability is improved, but the door panel becomes vulnerable to passenger tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The viscoelastic material's response is governed by parameter changes under different loading conditions. Normal static loads from passengers encounter a rigid response, while the dynamic high-pressure load from airbag deployment triggers a deformable response, effectively distinguishing between tampering and legitimate deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The door panel transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic deformable structure upon airbag deployment. The viscoelastic material allows the panel to adapt its mechanical behavior based on the rate and magnitude of applied force, enabling it to remain secure during normal use but deform when needed.
3Reliability
If traditional tearing lines or fuse fixation clips are used for airbag deployment, then deployment control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag deployment system is self-actuating, utilizing the pressure from the inflating airbag itself to deform the door panel and release the airbag. This eliminates the need for separate tearing lines, fuse clips, or other mechanical release mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable deployment control.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex deployment control mechanisms (tearing lines, fuse fixation clips) are extracted and replaced by the inherent deformable properties of the viscoelastic door panel. The deployment function is integrated directly into the door panel material behavior, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying manufacturing.
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
The system enables efficient deployment of the airbag by allowing the door panel to deform and release from its secured position quickly, providing effective protection without requiring a tear seam or breakable parts, and preventing the door panel from causing harm as a projectile, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a moving door panel that deforms under pressure of an airbag as it deploys
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag door assembly for use in a vehicle. The door assembly includes a moving door panel that deforms under pressure of an airbag as it deploys. The airbag system employing this airbag door assembly may be installed in a cavity in a structure on-board the vehicle, or it may be independently mounted to a vehicle structure.