Airbag Restraint System Using Flexible Material

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Undeployed airbags pose a hazard to first responders and vehicle occupants, as they can deploy unexpectedly, leading to injuries and delays in rescue operations, and existing methods like disconnecting the battery are time-consuming and impractical in many situations.

Innovation Solution

An airbag restraint system using flexible materials, such as Cordura or Kevlar, to cover and anchor the steering wheel, preventing the airbag from deploying fully and redirecting its force away from the danger zone, which can be quickly and easily installed to protect individuals from airbag deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If first responders disconnect the battery to prevent airbag deployment, then the chance of undesired airbag deployment is reduced, but rescue time is delayed and the process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairbag deployment controlVSAvoidrescue time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint device is installed on the steering wheel before the airbag deployment sequence is initiated. By placing the flexible material over the steering wheel and securing it with straps around the steering column, the system prepares the restraint mechanism in advance, so that when the airbag deploys, the restraint is already in place to contain and redirect the deploying airbag, eliminating the need for time-consuming battery disconnection procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible material acts as an intermediary between the deploying airbag and the rescuer. This material captures and redirects the force of the deploying airbag away from the danger zone, providing a protective barrier that allows rescuers to work immediately without waiting for battery disconnection, thus resolving the time delay contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If first responders wait after battery disconnection before entering the danger zone, then safety from airbag deployment is improved, but rescue operation speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety from airbag deploymentVSAvoidrescue operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint device is designed as a disposable or single-use component that is installed once and then destroyed or discarded after the airbag deployment event. This eliminates the need for complex, expensive, reusable systems that would require setup and teardown time, allowing rapid deployment and immediate rescuer access while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By installing the restraint device before the airbag deployment sequence begins, the system eliminates the need for post-battery-disconnection waiting periods. The restraint is already in place to contain and redirect the deploying airbag, allowing rescuers to enter the danger zone immediately without delay

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the airbag is contained and redirected using flexible material, then the danger zone is reduced and safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety from airbag deploymentVSAvoidrestraint system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint device uses flexible material such as canvas, nylon, or other fabric to create a cover that drapes over the steering wheel. This flexible shell approach is simpler than rigid containment structures, as it can conform to the steering wheel shape and be secured with simple straps, reducing overall device complexity while effectively containing and redirecting the deploying airbag

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint device is divided into separate components: the flexible material cover and the strap system. This segmentation allows for simple, independent installation steps - first placing the cover over the steering wheel, then securing it with straps around the steering column - reducing the complexity of the overall installation process while maintaining effective restraint functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the flexible material covers the steering wheel and redirects airbag force, then the danger zone is minimized, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairbag deployment hazardVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint device is designed to fit standard steering wheel dimensions, making it a universal solution that can be installed on most vehicles without customization. The flexible material and strap system can accommodate variations in steering wheel size and shape, simplifying installation across different vehicle models while effectively containing and redirecting the deploying airbag

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8979120B2Methods and devices for restraining airbags

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 MANNSAVER

AI summary

Devices for restraining deploying airbags are disclosed, along with methods for using, making and refurbishing such devices. The devices and methods are designed to improve the safety of individuals in the vicinity of undeployed airbags, in particular, when there is a chance that the airbag may deploy unexpectedly. Unexpected airbag deployment can occur when the airbag deployment system is compromised, for example, by an accident such as an automobile collision.