Airbag Folding Using Suction Core for Compact Rolling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbag folding methods using two folding rods often result in the airbag sliding off, making it difficult to achieve a compact rolled-up shape due to the strong holding force required and the airbag sticking to the rods, which complicates the removal of the rods from the folded airbag.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a core member with an air suction hole to securely wind the airbag around its outer surface, allowing for a compact and stable rolled-up shape by sucking the airbag onto the core member and then easily removing it by creating a gap when air is discharged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two folding rods are rotated with strong holding force to form a spirally wound airbag, then the airbag can be folded into a compact rolled-up shape, but the folding rods become difficult to pull out due to the airbag sticking around them
Solution Approach 1:
A release layer is introduced as an intermediary between the airbag and the folding rod. This release layer has low friction characteristics that prevent the airbag from sticking to the folding rod during rotation, while still allowing the airbag to be held in place for folding. After folding, the release layer enables easy removal of the folding rod by reducing adhesion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Air pressure is applied to the airbag during the folding process to inflate it slightly, creating a cushion between the airbag and the folding rod. This pneumatic cushion reduces direct contact and friction, preventing the airbag from sticking to the rod while maintaining the folded shape.
2Reliability
If strong holding force is applied to prevent airbag sliding off during folding rod rotation, then the airbag can be securely folded, but the airbag becomes difficult to separate from the rods for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The release layer serves as a mediator that provides sufficient friction to hold the airbag during folding while having low enough adhesion to allow easy removal. This layer is specifically designed with surface properties that differentiate between the folding phase (needing grip) and the removal phase (needing slip).
Solution Approach 2:
The holding force characteristics are made dynamic through the release layer, which provides high friction during the folding operation when pressure and velocity are specific, but allows slip when removal forces are applied. The system transitions from a static high-friction state during folding to a low-friction state during removal.
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
Enables the formation of a compact and stable rolled-up airbag shape with improved ease of folding and removal of the core member, reducing the risk of the airbag dislocation and facilitating further compact folding.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the core member while sucking air from the air suction hole of the core member so that the airbag is sucked on an outer circumferential surface of the core member
Data Source
AI summary
In an airbag folding method, an airbag is folded so as to provide a rolled-up shape thereon using a core member including air suction holes from which air can be sucked in. Firstly, the core member is disposed on part of the spread airbag that is to be rolled up at a location which corresponds to a center of a rolled-up shape when formed, and following this, the core member is rotated so as to wind up the airbag around the core member to thereby form a spiral shape while air is being sucked in from the air suction holes so that the airbag is drawn to be secured to an outer circumferential surface of the core member. Thereafter, a rolled-up shape is formed on the airbag by removing the core member.