Vehicle Airbag With One-Way Vent for Occupant Kinematics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag designs for vehicles do not effectively control the kinematics of occupants during impacts, particularly in distributing and managing the deployment of airbags to absorb energy and restrict movement effectively.
Innovation Solution
The airbag system includes a first and second inflatable member with a one-way vent allowing fluid flow from the first to the second member, which are strategically positioned and fixed to control occupant movement through adhesion and structural alignment with pillars and handles, utilizing a monolithic construction and tethering to maintain deployment integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single airbag is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to control occupant kinematics and absorb energy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is divided into a first airbag and a second airbag that can inflate independently in different spatial directions. The first airbag inflates in a first direction to protect occupants from front impacts, while the second airbag inflates in a second direction perpendicular to the first to provide additional protection and control occupant kinematics more effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional protection approach by positioning the second airbag in a direction perpendicular to the first airbag. This spatial arrangement allows the system to control occupant movement in multiple directions simultaneously, enhancing kinematic control beyond what a single airbag can achieve
2Reliability
If multiple airbags are used to control occupant kinematics, then safety is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second airbags share a common inflation device and are positioned within the same vehicle interior space. The airbags are integrated into the vehicle structure with coordinated inflation timing, allowing multiple protection functions to be achieved while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dual airbag system provides multiple functions: the first airbag protects against front impacts, the second airbag provides lateral protection and kinematic control, and together they create a coordinated protection system that manages occupant energy absorption and movement control in a unified manner
3Reliability
If airbags are positioned to maximize protection, then occupant safety is improved, but the deployment control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second airbags are pre-positioned in specific locations within the vehicle interior before deployment. The inflation device is pre-configured to inflate both airbags simultaneously or in a predetermined sequence, eliminating the need for complex real-time deployment decisions during impact events
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 enhances the airbag's ability to absorb energy and restrict occupant movement during impacts by ensuring controlled inflation and deployment, effectively managing kinematics and providing enhanced safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way vent permitting fluid flow from the first member to the second member
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a first member inflatable to an inflated position in which the first member has a first and a second distal edge spaced from each other along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. The vehicle includes a second member inflatable to an inflated position, the second member in the inflated position being on a cross-vehicle axis that extends through the first distal edge. The vehicle includes a one-way vent permitting fluid flow from the first member to the second member.