Airbag Guide Sack Seams for Homogeneous Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag systems in motor vehicles do not ensure homogeneous force distribution and targeted unfolding, which can lead to inadequate protection for vehicle occupants during deployment.
Innovation Solution
An airbag module is integrated into the vehicle's side part, surrounded by an airbag guide sack with strategically placed seams and a carrier shell, allowing for controlled inflation and coverage of the thorax, pelvis, and head, with sacrificial seams to manage force distribution and prevent impact on the support shell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an airbag module is deployed without a guide sack with seams, then the airbag can inflate quickly, but the force distribution becomes non-homogeneous and the unfolding is uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sack is divided into multiple segments using seams (first seam, second seam, third seam) that create controlled opening zones. These segmented seams allow the airbag to unfold in a controlled sequence, directing the inflation force uniformly across the occupant's body while maintaining structural manageability through modular seam design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the guide sack are assigned different functional qualities through strategic seam placement. The first seam at the upper end, second seam at the lower end, and third seam at the side create localized opening patterns that distribute force homogeneously across different body areas (head, thorax, pelvis) while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If the airbag guide sack is completely open, then the airbag can unfold freely, but the force distribution becomes non-homogeneous and may impact the support shell
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sack is pre-configured with strategically positioned seams before deployment. These pre-planned opening zones (first seam at upper end, second seam at lower end, third seam at side) guide the airbag's unfolding path and force distribution from the moment of inflation, ensuring homogeneous force application to the occupant's body areas without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If seams are added to control airbag unfolding, then force distribution becomes homogeneous, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seam configuration uses asymmetric placement to achieve homogeneous force distribution. The first seam is positioned at the upper end portion, the second seam at the lower end portion, and the third seam at the side portion - this asymmetric arrangement creates balanced force distribution across the occupant's body (head, thorax, pelvis) while avoiding the need for symmetric complexity in all directions.
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 solution ensures a homogeneous force distribution and targeted unfolding of the airbag, providing enhanced protection for vehicle occupants by covering critical areas such as the thorax, pelvis, and head, while minimizing force loading on the vehicle's structure.
Implementation Method 1
an airbag comprises a gas generator via which ignition occurs
Implementation Method 2
the airbag guide sack is provided with at least one sacrificial seam which additionally completely or partially closes the respective opening
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes a body that forms a vehicle interior, where a front seat row and a rear seat row are formed in the vehicle interior. A rear seat of the rear seat row is disposed adjacent to a side wall of the body and the rear seat has a backrest. A side part of the rear seat is disposed between the backrest and the side wall. An airbag module is disposed in the side part and extends approximately parallel to the backrest and at least over a length of the backrest and an airbag guide sack surrounds the airbag module. The airbag module and the airbag guide sack are fastened to a carrier shell and the carrier shell is attached to the body.