Airbag Hinge Protection via Segmented Protective Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing airbag devices for front passenger seats have a protective member that is smaller than the hinge section, resulting in incomplete coverage, leaving unprotected areas and failing to absorb the load from the expanding airbag main body, which can cause damage to the hinge section during deployment.
Innovation Solution
An airbag device with a protective member that includes a main protective section to cover the hinge section and peripheral portion protective sections to cover protruding parts, along with a side edge portion protective section to manage loads, and an accordion-folded design to fit within the airbag module's dimensions, ensuring comprehensive protection and smooth expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the protective member is made smaller to fit within the airbag module dimensions, then the device complexity and storage space are reduced, but the coverage area of the hinge section becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is divided into multiple sections: a main protective section for covering the hinge section, and peripheral portion protective sections for covering protruding parts of the lid section. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive protection within the constrained space.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member is configured to extend in multiple directions from the main protective section, utilizing two-dimensional expansion within the three-dimensional space of the airbag module. This allows the protective member to cover both the hinge section and peripheral areas without increasing overall volume excessively.
2Area of stationary object
If the protective member is made larger to completely cover the hinge section, then the protection coverage is improved, but the airbag module size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member concentrates its coverage on critical areas that require protection, such as the hinge section and peripheral protruding parts, rather than uniformly covering the entire airbag module. This localized protection approach provides adequate coverage while minimizing the overall size of the protective member.
3Ease of manufacture
If the protective member is made smaller to reduce device complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to absorb load from the expanding airbag main body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is divided into a main protective section and peripheral portion protective sections, with each section strategically positioned to intercept and distribute loads from different regions of the expanding airbag main body. This segmentation allows the protective member to maintain structural simplicity while effectively managing multiple load paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag device includes an airbag main body, a storing section, an airbag lid member, a hinge section and a protective member. The airbag lid member has a lid section and an opening section. The lid section is configured to be opened by a pressing force of the airbag main body. The opening section is formed when the lid section is opened. The hinge section couples an edge portion of the opening section and the lid section. The protective member is configured and arranged to be disposed between the airbag main body and the hinge section when the airbag main body expands, and has a main protective section and a peripheral portion protective section. The peripheral portion protective section is provided on both sides of the main protective section to cover at least a peripheral portion of the lid section which protrudes from both sides of the hinge section.