Airbag Assembly With Uninflatable Panel For Offset Impact Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag systems struggle to effectively control occupant kinematics during vehicle impacts, particularly in offset and oblique collisions, where the airbag's outer portion may not provide adequate lateral support, leading to insufficient protection for occupants.
Innovation Solution
The airbag system incorporates an inner and outer inflatable portion with a radially extending, uninflatable panel that provides lateral support by extending farther along the axis than the inner portion, and includes extensions and tethers to maintain shape and position during impacts, enhancing coverage and control of occupant kinematics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the airbag uses a conventional single-layer design, then the structure is simple, but the lateral support capability during offset and oblique impacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple functional layers including an inner inflatable portion, an outer inflatable portion, and uninflatable panels. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions: the inflatable portions provide cushioning force, while the uninflatable panels provide lateral support and structural integrity during offset and oblique impacts, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and lateral support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag employs a nested structure where the inner inflatable portion is positioned within the outer inflatable portion, and uninflatable panels are integrated between them. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of space while providing multiple functions: inner portion for primary cushioning, outer portion for extended coverage, and integrated panels for lateral support, achieving enhanced protection without excessive complexity
2Length of moving object
If the airbag extends farther along the axis to provide better coverage, then the protection coverage is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the airbag are assigned different properties: the inflatable portions are designed to be compliant and expandable for coverage, while the uninflatable panels are designed to be rigid for shape maintenance. This local differentiation allows the airbag to extend farther along the axis for improved coverage while the strategically positioned uninflatable panels maintain structural stability and prevent excessive deformation during deployment
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 design effectively controls occupant kinematics by providing enhanced lateral support and maintaining the airbag's shape during impacts, improving protection in various collision scenarios, including offset and oblique impacts.
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
A restraint system includes a reaction surface and an airbag supported by the reaction surface. The airbag is inflatable along an axis away from the reaction surface to an inflated position. The airbag includes an inner portion and an outer portion concentric with the inner portion about the axis. The inner portion and the outer portion define a gap therebetween in the inflated position. The airbag includes a panel extending radially across the gap from the inner portion to the outer portion. The panel is uninflatable.