Airbag Flap Reinforcement Segmentation for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag deployment systems in vehicles have a relatively long opening time for the airbag flap, which can delay the protection of vehicle occupants in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior equipment design featuring a reinforcement that is partially spaced from the carrier in the separation zone, allowing for a pivoting movement of the exit flap, with a flexible reinforcement and a Z-shaped fold that includes a melting barrier to prevent integral connection and facilitate faster opening, and position-retaining means like adjustable tear seams to ensure controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the reinforcement is firmly connected to the carrier across the entire surface, then the connection strength is improved, but the opening time of the exit flap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is segmented into different connection zones: a first connection zone with strong bonding for structural integrity, and a second connection zone with reduced bonding strength to facilitate faster flap opening. This segmentation allows the reinforcement to provide both strong connection and rapid deployment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different bonding strengths are applied locally across the reinforcement-carrier interface. The first connection zone has high bonding strength for structural support, while the second connection zone has lower bonding strength to enable quick release during airbag deployment, optimizing both connection strength and opening time locally.
2Loss of time
If the reinforcement is spaced from the carrier in the separation zone, then the opening time is reduced, but the connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between reinforcement and carrier is segmented into zones with different bonding characteristics. The first connection zone maintains strong bonding for structural integrity, while the second connection zone uses reduced bonding or spacing to enable rapid flap opening without compromising overall connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement-carrier interface has locally differentiated properties: areas requiring strong connection have full bonding, while areas requiring rapid opening have reduced bonding or spacing. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between connection strength and opening time.
3Speed
If a predetermined breaking point is provided in the cladding, then the deployment speed is improved, but the structural integrity of the carrier is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Predetermined breaking points are pre-formed in the cladding at locations optimized for rapid deployment. These pre-formed weak points allow the cladding to break cleanly and quickly during airbag activation, achieving high deployment speed while maintaining structural integrity in the remaining carrier structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding has locally differentiated properties: predetermined breaking points with reduced strength for rapid deployment, and other areas with full structural integrity. This local quality variation enables fast deployment while preserving overall carrier strength.
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 design significantly reduces the opening time of the airbag flap, enhancing the safety of vehicle occupants by ensuring quicker airbag deployment without the risk of the flap being torn off during activation.
Implementation Method 1
a separating agent is introduced into at least one fold of the fold, in particular a Z-shaped fold. The separating means advantageously consists of a flat structure which is preferably impervious to the melt of the carrier material and thus prevents an integral connection of the carrier material with the reinforcement in this area.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A fixture (1), in particular for the interior of a motor vehicle, is proposed, the fixture having a support (4), wherein the support comprises a pivoting region (41) comprising an outlet flap (3) which can be pivoted upwards, and a fixed region (4"), wherein the fixture (1) is designed in such a manner that the outlet flap (3) remains connected to the fixed region via a hinge (8) upon opening, and wherein the fixed region is connected to the outlet flap via flexible reinforcement (11), characterized in that a separating zone (12) between the pivoting region and the fixed region is provided along the hinge (8), with the reinforcement (11) not being connected in a planar manner to the support in said separating zone (12).