Airbag Assembly with Segmented Folding and Controlled Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbag deployment systems often result in occupant contact issues, especially for smaller individuals or those out of position, due to inadequate deployment trajectory and proximity to the instrument panel, exacerbated by vehicle design factors like windshield rake.
Innovation Solution
An airbag assembly with closeable vents and vent tethers, employing a specific folding method that ensures deployment close to the instrument panel and suitable for vehicles with varying windshield angles, featuring a combination of tucking, accordion-folding, and wrapping techniques to maintain a horizontal deployment trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional airbag deployment systems are used, then the airbag can deploy quickly to protect occupants, but the airbag may contact out-of-position occupants or smaller individuals causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cushion is divided into multiple segments with different folding patterns. The first portion is folded with a first pattern while the second portion is folded with a second pattern, allowing different deployment characteristics for different sections of the airbag. This segmentation enables the airbag to adapt its deployment behavior to protect both in-position and out-of-position occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the airbag cushion are given different local qualities through distinct folding patterns. The first portion has folding characteristics optimized for one deployment scenario, while the second portion has folding characteristics optimized for another scenario, allowing the airbag to provide appropriate protection quality for different occupant positions and sizes.
2Speed
If the airbag is deployed with high force to ensure rapid protection, then the deployment speed is improved, but the impact on smaller occupants becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag deployment force is segmented through different folding patterns in different portions. The first portion deploys with characteristics that provide rapid protection, while the second portion deploys with characteristics that reduce impact force, allowing the airbag to achieve both high deployment speed and reduced harmful impact simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding patterns are designed to change the physical parameters of airbag deployment. By varying the fold geometry and configuration in different portions, the airbag can control deployment speed, expansion rate, and impact force, allowing optimization for both rapid protection and reduced impact on vulnerable occupants.
3Volume of moving object
If the airbag is folded compactly to save space in the vehicle, then the packaging efficiency is improved, but the deployment trajectory may not maintain proximity to the instrument panel
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cushion is folded using a nested folding pattern where portions of the airbag are folded within other portions. This nesting approach achieves compact packaging volume while maintaining the structural integrity and spatial relationships needed for proper deployment trajectory close to the instrument panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding patterns utilize three-dimensional folding techniques rather than simple two-dimensional folding. By creating accordion folds, rolled folds, and other three-dimensional configurations, the airbag achieves compact packaging while preserving the deployment trajectory characteristics needed for instrument panel proximity.
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
The solution minimizes occupant contact during deployment by maintaining the airbag's proximity to the instrument panel and allows for controlled gas venting to soften the impact for smaller occupants, effectively addressing the challenges of out-of-position individuals and vehicle design constraints.
Implementation Method 1
An airbag assembly with closeable vents and vent tethers... allows for controlled gas venting to soften the impact for smaller occupants
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein include inflatable cushion airbag assemblies and methods for folding, rolling, and packing an airbag cushion within a housing such that the cushion deploys with predetermined characteristics.