Airbag Tether Release Mechanism Using Sliding Carrier and Spring Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag systems face challenges in controlled deployment and retraction mechanisms, particularly in ensuring reliable anchoring and ejection of the airbag tether anchoring device during inflation and deflation cycles, which affects the airbag's deployment direction and stability.
Innovation Solution
The airbag system incorporates a base with a track and a carrier that is releasably fixed via a pin designed to break upon inflation, allowing the carrier to slide along the track and compress a spring, which then ejects the carrier and tether from the base upon deflation, utilizing a ramp for controlled ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tether is fixed rigidly to control deployment direction, then deployment control is improved, but the anchoring device cannot be ejected after deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid fixation to a dynamic system where the carrier can change position. The tether is attached to a carrier that can slide along a track within the base, allowing the system to adapt between two states: fixed during deployment for directional control, and movable during ejection for reset capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device is segmented into a base, a carrier, and a track system. The carrier is a separate movable component that can be positioned at different locations along the track, allowing independent optimization of deployment control (when positioned) and ejection capability (when movable).
2Stability of the object's composition
If the carrier is firmly anchored to ensure stable deployment, then deployment stability is improved, but the carrier cannot be reset after deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier's position is dynamic rather than fixed. During deployment, the carrier is positioned stably at a specific location on the track to ensure proper tether alignment and airbag deployment direction. After deflation, the carrier can be reset by ejecting it from the base and reinserting it, or by sliding it along the track to a reset position.
Solution Approach 2:
The track acts as an intermediary mechanism between the carrier and the base. It provides guided movement constraints that allow the carrier to be firmly positioned during deployment while also enabling controlled movement for resetting. The track mediates between the need for stability and the need for adaptability.
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
This solution ensures precise control over airbag deployment and retraction, enhancing the airbag's ability to absorb occupant energy effectively and maintaining structural integrity during impact events.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed at the first end and between the carrier and the base
Implementation Method 2
compress a spring, which then ejects the carrier and tether from the base
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag system includes an airbag. The airbag system includes a base defining a track extending from a first end to a second end. The airbag system includes a carrier releasably fixed to the base and removable from the base at the second end. The airbag system includes a tether extending from the carrier and secured to the airbag. The airbag system includes a spring disposed at the first end. The spring is disposed between the carrier and the base. Upon application of a force to the carrier, e.g., via the tether when the airbag is inflated, the carrier is released from the base and compresses the spring. Upon removal of the force, the spring urges the carrier toward the second end where the carrier is ejected.