Airbag Assembly with Selectively Inflatable Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with rotating seats, existing airbag systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust inflation based on the longitudinal and rotational position of the seat, which can affect the kinematics of occupants during impacts, such as side impacts, leading to suboptimal protection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computer with a processor and memory that identifies the longitudinal and rotational position of a vehicle seat, selectively inflating a plurality of fluidly isolated inflation chambers of an airbag assembly using an inflator and control valves, including solenoids, to control the kinematics of occupants by activating specific inflation chambers based on the seat's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single airbag assembly is used in vehicles with rotating seats, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different seat positions and orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag assembly is divided into multiple independently inflatable chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be selectively inflated based on seat position and orientation. Each chamber can be controlled separately through individual fill tubes and control valves, allowing the system to adapt to different configurations without requiring multiple complete airbag assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system transitions from a static, single-configurion design to a dynamic, multi-configurion system. The control computer selectively activates specific chambers based on real-time seat position and rotational orientation data, enabling the airbag assembly to dynamically adapt its inflation pattern to match the current occupant configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inflation chambers are added to accommodate rotating seats, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag assembly with multiple chambers serves multiple functions: it can protect occupants in forward-facing seats, rearward-facing seats, and various intermediate positions. The same physical assembly handles different impact scenarios (side impacts, rear impacts, frontal impacts) by selectively inflating appropriate chambers, eliminating the need for separate airbag systems for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control computer acts as an intermediary that receives seat position and orientation data, processes this information, and translates it into selective chamber activation commands. This intelligent mediator coordinates the complex interactions between multiple chambers, fill tubes, and control valves, managing the system's complexity through centralized control logic.
3Reliability
If selective inflation control is implemented, then the occupant protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring seat position and rotational orientation through sensors, and using this information to dynamically adjust which chambers are inflated. This closed-loop control ensures that the airbag deployment pattern always matches the current occupant configuration, maximizing protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and physical connections with electronic control systems. Instead of mechanical systems that would physically connect multiple airbag units, the invention uses electronic sensors, control computers, and electronically actuated control valves to manage chamber inflation, reducing mechanical complexity while improving control precision.
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
Enhances occupant protection by dynamically adjusting airbag inflation to match the seat's position, optimizing the distribution of force during impacts and improving the overall safety of the vehicle's occupants.
Implementation Method 1
The control valves may include a solenoid and the instructions to release the control valves may include releasing the solenoids.
Implementation Method 2
The airbag assembly may include a plurality of fill tubes, each fill tube extending from the inflator to each of the inflation chambers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes computer including a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify a longitudinal position of a seat. The instructions include to identify a rotational position of the seat. The instructions include to selectively inflate one or more of a plurality of inflation chambers of an airbag adjacent the seat based on the longitudinal position and the rotational position of the seat.