Vehicle Airbag Assembly With Tray Table Impact Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle airbag systems fail to effectively control the kinematics of occupants during impacts, and there is a need for improved airbag systems that efficiently manage tray tables during such events.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle airbag assembly that includes a tray table movable from a use position to a support position, with an inflatable airbag abutting the tray table at the support position and a stop movable to a deployed position to restrict movement, controlled by an actuator and computer system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional airbag system is used without tray table integration, then the airbag can inflate to protect occupants, but the tray table may move or become a hazard during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the airbag system with the tray table support system into a single integrated assembly. The airbag is positioned to work in conjunction with the tray table and stop mechanism, creating a unified safety system that addresses both occupant protection and tray table control simultaneously, rather than as separate functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: the airbag provides occupant protection, the stop mechanism controls tray table movement, and the housing structures support both functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate systems and resolves the contradiction by making the tray table itself part of the safety system
2Ease of operation
If the tray table is made movable between use and support positions, then ease of operation is improved, but control during impact becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table system is designed to be dynamic during normal operation, allowing movement between use and support positions for passenger convenience. During impact, the system transitions to a static locked position where the stop mechanism prevents movement, ensuring stability. The actuator controls this transition dynamically based on impact detection
Solution Approach 2:
The stop mechanism is pre-positioned and activated during impact to prevent tray table movement before the tray table can become a hazard. The actuator rapidly deploys the stop to counteract any potential movement, applying preliminary anti-action to eliminate the stability problem before it manifests
3Reliability
If an integrated airbag-tray table system is implemented, then occupant safety control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly housing that contains the airbag, tray table support, and stop mechanism. By combining these elements into one unified structure rather than separate components, the system achieves improved safety control while minimizing the increase in complexity that would result from multiple independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly performs multiple functions within a single structural unit: the housing supports the airbag, the stop mechanism controls the tray table, and the actuator manages the safety response. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function
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 assembly effectively manages tray tables during impacts by stabilizing them with an inflatable airbag and a deployable stop, enhancing occupant safety and control.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation device in communication with the airbag for inflating the airbag from an uninflated position to an inflated position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a tray table movable from a use position to a support position. The assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag at the inflated position abuts the tray table at the support position. The assembly includes a stop movable to a deployed position. The stop at the deployed position restricts movement of the tray table at the support position.