Airbag Partitioning Tether Communication Hole Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbags experience deformation of communication holes due to stress concentration at the corners during deployment, leading to shape instability and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
The airbag design features communication holes with a generally rectangular contour where corners are positioned closer to the edges of the partitioning tether, reducing stress concentration and maintaining shape stability without reinforcing members, and joints are formed using sewing threads for easier production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication holes are formed in the partitioning tether, then gas communication between partitioned sections is enabled, but stress concentration occurs at the corners leading to deformation of the communication holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the corners of rectangular communication holes closer to the edges of the partitioning tether, specifically within a distance of 10mm from the edge. This local geometric arrangement redirects stress away from the corner regions during airbag deployment, preventing stress concentration and deformation while maintaining the communication function.
2Strength
If multiple base members are laminated to increase strength of the partitioning tether, then communication holes maintain shape, but production cost increases and folded size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the communication holes (rectangular shape with corners positioned close to edges) to achieve the strength and shape stability that would otherwise require laminated base members. This parameter change allows a single base member to suffice, reducing production complexity and folded size while maintaining the required strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If communication holes are formed with corners closer to edges, then stress concentration is reduced and shape stability is maintained, but production precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the stress-reducing geometric configuration (corners close to edges) directly into the molding process of the partitioning tether. By preliminarily forming the communication holes with the optimal geometric arrangement during manufacturing, the design achieves shape stability without requiring high-precision post-manufacturing adjustments or complex multi-step processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag includes a bag body that includes a first panel and a second panel which are opposed to each other, a partitioning tether that is disposed in such a manner as to partition an interior of the bag body, a communication hole that is formed in the tether for providing gas communication in the interior of the bag body, and first and second joints that respectively join first and second edges of the tether to the first and second panels of the bag body. The communication hole has a generally rectangular contour which has two corners in a vicinity of each of the first and second edges of the tether. In both of the first and second edges of the tether, the corners of the communication hole are disposed closer to the first or second edge of the partitioning tether than a corresponding one of the joints.