Airbag Tether Backstop Mechanism for Post-Deployment Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag devices fail to maintain a retaining function of the arrestor strap mechanism after the tightening operation, allowing the occupant to move away from the backrest post-deployment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a backstop mechanism within the tightening device to prevent the arrestor strap from being pulled out counter to the pulling direction, utilizing multiple backstops acting on different elements of the strap and drive system to secure the strap in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tightening device is used to pull the arrestor strap during a tightening operation, then the airbag can be effectively positioned during deployment, but the arrestor strap can be pulled out counter to the pulling direction after the tightening operation, causing the airbag to lose its retaining function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by incorporating a backstop mechanism into the tightening device before the tightening operation completes. This backstop mechanism is pre-positioned to engage with the arrestor strap or linearly accelerated element, preventing any counter-directional movement after tightening. The backstop is prepared in advance to ensure the retaining function is maintained without requiring additional complex components or post-operation adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If the arrestor strap is allowed to move freely after tightening, then the device complexity is reduced, but the occupant can move away from the backrest, compromising safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a backstop mechanism as a mediating element between the arrestor strap and the tightening device. This backstop acts as an intermediary that allows the arrestor strap to move freely during the tightening operation for ease of operation, but then engages to prevent any counter-directional movement that would allow the occupant to move away from the backrest. The backstop mediates between the need for operational simplicity and the requirement for safety.
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
Ensures the arrestor strap remains secured after the tightening operation, effectively maintaining the airbag's restraining function and ensuring the occupant remains positioned against the backrest.
Implementation Method 1
The tightening device can, for example, comprise a tensioner tube in which a piston is arranged. When the piston is driven by a compressed gas generated by a gas generator, the tensioner tube forms a kind of cylinder.
Implementation Method 2
The arrestor strap connected to the tightening device can in this case be attached directly to the element accelerated in a straight line. However, it can also be provided that the arrestor strap is fixedly connected to the tightening device and is deflected by the element that can be accelerated in a straight line. In the latter case in particular, the distance traveled by the end of the arrestor strap attached to the airbag can be greater than the distance traveled by the linearly accelerated element, with a type of pulley being formed in the tightening device.
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag device comprising at least one airbag module and at least one arrestor strap mechanism, wherein the at least one airbag module comprises at least one airbag, and the at least one arrestor strap mechanism comprises at least one arrestor strap arrangement and at least one tightening device for the at least one arrestor strap arrangement, wherein an end of an arrestor strap arrangement is attached to an airbag, and the tightening device pulls at least one arrestor strap of the arrestor strap arrangement in a pulling direction during a tightening operation, wherein at least one backstop is provided with which the arrestor strap can be prevented from being pulled out counter to the pulling direction after the tightening operation.