Airbag Folding Method Using Gravity and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag folding methods fail to minimize storage space while ensuring unhindered deployment and directed inflation in the event of a crash.
Innovation Solution
A method involving flat spreading of the airbag on a support surface, followed by zigzag folding of upper and lower portions along the transverse axis and furling of lateral portions along the longitudinal axis, without the use of compressed air, to achieve a compact folded state that allows for directed inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If compressed air is introduced to inflate the airbag during folding, then the folding process becomes easier, but the storage volume increases and deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag folds itself under its own weight and the weight of the front airbag layer, without requiring external compressed air or mechanical assistance. The method utilizes gravity and the natural properties of the airbag material to achieve folding, eliminating the need for additional inflation systems during the folding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag is folded in advance during manufacturing or installation, before deployment is needed. The folded state is maintained until a crash event triggers deployment, allowing the airbag to be pre-positioned in a compact form without requiring active inflation control during storage.
2Volume of stationary object
If the airbag is folded tightly to minimize storage volume, then storage space is reduced, but deployment speed and directed inflation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into two separate layers: a front airbag layer and a rear airbag layer. The front layer is folded first and positioned to cover the inflator, while the rear layer is folded separately. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for different functions - the front layer for directed inflation and the rear layer for compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the airbag are folded with different characteristics. The front airbag layer is folded to maintain its inflation direction toward the driver, while the rear layer is folded more compactly. The folding pattern creates specific three-dimensional structures that facilitate both compact storage and rapid directed deployment when needed.
3Volume of stationary object
If complex folding patterns are used to achieve compact size, then storage volume is minimized, but manufacturing complexity and seam integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The complex folding task is divided into two independent folding processes - one for the front airbag layer and one for the rear airbag layer. Each layer is folded separately using relatively simple folding patterns, avoiding the need for complex multi-step folding sequences that would compromise seam integrity or manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of folding an airbag (10), especially a driver airbag module, comprising a front airbag layer (11) which is connected at feast in portions to a rear airbag layer (12), the method comprising the following steps of:a) flatly spreading the airbag (10) onto a support surface (15) so that the front airbag layer (11) comes to rest on the rear airbag layer (12),b) folding, especially zigzag folding, at least in portions each of an upper airbag portion (20) and a lower airbag portion (21) in the direction of a transverse axis (Q) of the airbag (10),c) furling each of a left-hand lateral airbag portion (30) and a right-hand lateral airbag portion (31) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L) of the airbag (10).