Passenger Airbag Grab Box Layout Without Upper Panel Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupant protection devices for vehicle passenger seats, such as those with airbag devices installed in the instrument panel, limit the design freedom in the upper portion due to the need for an airbag opening.
Innovation Solution
An occupant protection device with a grab box and airbag system that inflates the airbag rearward from an opening between the instrument panel and a movable outer member, supported by the instrument panel and windshield, allowing the airbag to be deployed without requiring an upper panel opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an airbag device is installed in the instrument panel with an opening in the upper wall portion, then the airbag can be deployed to protect the occupant, but the degree of freedom of design in the upper portion of the instrument panel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag deployment direction is changed from upward (through the upper wall) to rearward (through the rear wall opening). This dimensional change allows the airbag to deploy effectively without requiring an opening in the upper instrument panel, thus preserving design freedom while maintaining protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag device is segmented into separate functional components: the inflation mechanism remains in the instrument panel while the airbag itself is positioned in the passenger seat backrest. This segmentation allows the instrument panel to maintain its structural integrity and design freedom while the airbag deploys from a different location
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
Preserves design freedom in the instrument panel's upper portion by inflating the airbag from a rearward opening, ensuring proper deployment and support at multiple points, including the windshield and instrument panel, achieving a desired shape without impairing the panel's aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an airbag device that is installed in the grab box and supplies an inflation gas to an airbag to deploy the airbag rearward
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant protection device includes a grab box attached to an instrument panel in front of a passenger seat, and an airbag device installed in the grab box. The grab box includes a box body and a lid portion that is movable rearward. The lid portion is moved rearward by a pressing force from the airbag when the bag is deployed. A bulging opening that inflates the airbag upward is formable between a rear wall portion of the instrument panel and the lid portion. The deployed airbag is supported by the lid portion that has moved rearward, the instrument panel located in front of the lid portion, and a windshield located above the instrument panel.