External Airbag Module Recessed Back Beam Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional external airbag module installation in the space between a back beam and a front bumper is inefficient due to limited space, leading to potential damage of the airbag cushion and inadequate absorption of collision energy, resulting in serious vehicle damage and passenger injury.

Innovation Solution

The external airbag module is designed to be securely mounted within a recessed back beam, with an inflator accommodated in the back beam and an airbag cushion either fully or partially protruding, along with a heat shielding member and gas guider to prevent damage from explosion heat and guide airbag gas effectively, ensuring reliable deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the external airbag module is installed in the space between the back beam and the front bumper, then the airbag cushion can be deployed to protect passengers, but the limited space causes the airbag module to interfere with the front bumper and damages the airbag cushion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairbag cushion integrityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag module is nested within a recess formed in the back beam, creating a hierarchical structure where the airbag module is contained within the back beam's recessed area. This nesting approach allows the airbag to be installed in the limited space without interfering with the front bumper, resolving the space constraint while maintaining airbag integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of installing the airbag module horizontally in the limited gap between the back beam and front bumper, the design creates a recess in the back beam that accommodates the airbag module in a vertical dimension. This dimensional change provides adequate installation space while preventing interference with the front bumper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the airbag module is installed in the narrow space between the back beam and front bumper, then it can be positioned for deployment, but the installation becomes inefficient and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidavailable installation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The recess in the back beam creates a nested structure that accommodates the airbag module, making installation more efficient by providing a dedicated space designed for this component. The nested design allows for proper positioning and securing of the airbag module without the constraints of the narrow external gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Speed

If the inflator is placed near the airbag cushion to enable rapid deployment, then deployment speed is improved, but the explosion heat from the inflator can damage the airbag cushion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidheat damage to airbag cushion

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A heat shielding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the inflator and the airbag cushion. This heat shield blocks the thermal energy from the inflator, preventing heat damage to the airbag cushion while allowing the inflator to remain positioned for rapid deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat generated by the inflator, which could be harmful to the airbag cushion, is converted into a beneficial scenario by using the heat shielding member to redirect and contain the thermal energy away from the airbag material, allowing the inflator to function effectively without compromising the airbag cushion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This configuration allows for efficient installation of the airbag module in a narrow space, preventing damage, ensuring precise and rapid deployment of the airbag cushion, thereby enhancing passenger safety by effectively managing collision energy and heat exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a heat shielding member which may be fitted between the airbag bracket and the airbag cushion, may be shaped into an arc that may be open at a front thereof and surrounds the inflator, and prevents the airbag cushion from being damaged by explosion heat of the inflator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a gas guider which may be fitted between the airbag cushion and the heat shielding member and may be installed to surround the inflator, with a plurality of gas discharge holes being formed on a front of the gas guider to guide a flow of the airbag gas forwards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow guidance: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8672078B2External airbag module for vehicle and back beam for mounting external airbag module

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An external airbag module for a vehicle, installed to be located in a space formed between a back beam and a front bumper may include an inflator secured to a front of the back beam and accommodated in the back beam, and an airbag cushion surrounding the inflator and secured to the back beam together with the inflator between the back beam and the front bumper.