Airbag Support Bellows to Prevent Window-Side Ejection Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
As vehicle windows increase in size, airbag systems struggle to prevent occupants from being ejected during collisions due to the deformation of airbag edges, which are not supported by the vehicle frame, leading to a gap through which occupants can be released.
Innovation Solution
An occupant restraining apparatus featuring a base fastened to the vehicle, a hinge-connected support arm with a bellows that expands with gas to pivot and support the airbag, and an electric gas valve to supply gas for deployment, ensuring the airbag's rear surface is maintained without deformation during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the window size is increased to ensure occupant vision and vehicle aesthetics, then the panoramic view and vehicle design are improved, but the airbag cannot effectively prevent occupant ejection due to edge deformation and gap formation
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple components: a base fastened to the vehicle, a hinge-connected support arm with multiple sections, and a bellows mechanism. This segmentation allows the support to adapt to the large window configuration while maintaining airbag stability and preventing occupant ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows mechanism acts as an intermediary between the gas cartridge and the support arm. It converts gas pressure into controlled mechanical motion, enabling the support arm to pivot and maintain the airbag in an optimal position against the large window, thereby preventing edge deformation and gap formation.
2Reliability
If the airbag is deployed to protect the occupant during collision, then occupant safety is improved, but the airbag edge deforms and creates a space through which the occupant can be released
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is pre-positioned and ready to activate simultaneously with airbag deployment. The bellows mechanism is pre-charged with gas, allowing the support to immediately pivot into position and stabilize the airbag edge at the moment of collision, preventing deformation and gap formation before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the airbag by using the bellows to pivot the support arm, moving the airbag from a potentially unstable position to a stabilized position against the vehicle interior. This parameter change maintains airbag shape and prevents edge deformation during occupant restraint.
3Shape
If a support mechanism is added to maintain airbag stability, then airbag shape and occupant restraint are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed as a dynamic mechanism that can pivot and adjust its position based on collision conditions. The bellows provides controlled motion, allowing the support to adapt to different deployment scenarios while maintaining airbag stability. This dynamic design achieves effective support with relatively simple mechanical components.
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 apparatus effectively prevents occupant ejection by supporting the airbag's rear surface, maintaining its integrity and preventing the formation of a gap between the airbag and the vehicle frame, thereby ensuring the occupant remains secured within the vehicle during side collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a bellows (34) configured to be expanded by gas to pivot the support (33)
Implementation Method 2
a gas cartridge (36) configured to store the gas for expanding the bellows (34)
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment occupant restraining apparatus includes a base to be fastened to a body of a vehicle, a support having a first end hinge-connected to the base and a second end configured to support a deployed airbag, and a bellows configured to be expanded by gas to pivot the support. During deployment of the airbag, the bellows is configured to receive the gas in concert with the deployment of the airbag.