Side Airbag Intensifier Pocket Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat side airbag assemblies are difficult to assemble, install, and service due to complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
An airbag assembly with an intensifier pocket having inboard and outboard panels that connect through a deployment seam in the seat cover, featuring a support rod that can be releasably connected to the seat back frame to guide and anchor the airbag deployment, simplifying the assembly and installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing side airbag assembly configurations are used, then the airbag can be installed in the vehicle seat, but the assembly, installation, and servicing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The intensifier pocket is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, and side panels) that can be separately assembled and then connected together. The deployment seam is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows the complex structure to be built from simpler components, making assembly and servicing easier while maintaining the required functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intensifier pocket is pre-assembled as a complete unit with all panels connected before installation into the vehicle seat. The deployment seams are pre-positioned and pre-sewn into the seat cover. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly operations, significantly easing the installation process while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the airbag assembly is designed to enclose the seat back frame, then protection is improved, but the difficulty of assembly and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intensifier pocket is divided into multiple panels (front panel, rear panel, and side panels) that can be separately assembled and then connected together. The deployment seam is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows the complex structure to be built from simpler components, making assembly and servicing easier while maintaining the required functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intensifier pocket is pre-assembled as a complete unit with all panels connected before installation into the vehicle seat. The deployment seams are pre-positioned and pre-sewn into the seat cover. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly operations, significantly easing the installation process while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assisting and guiding deployment of a side airbag through a deployment seam of a seat cover for a vehicle seat having a seat frame includes an airbag assembly connectable to a support portion of the seat back frame, an intensifier pocket having an inboard and outboard panel, and an elongate support rod releasably connectable to the seat back frame of the vehicle seat for closing and anchoring an opening in the pocket. Each panel has a first peripheral portion connected to opposite edges of the deployment seam in the seat cover to be forced open during inflation of the side airbag, second peripheral portions extending inwardly toward the seat back frame where the inboard and outboard panels are connected to one another, and third peripheral portions defining an opening in the pocket of sufficient size to allow the pocket to be positioned over the airbag assembly and support portion of the seat back frame. The support rod can be engaged through at least one sleeve formed along the third peripheral portion of each panel for closing and anchoring the opening in the pocket.