Airbag Vent Control via Inflatable Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag systems face challenges in universally controlling the exit cross-section of ventilation openings, requiring complex design adjustments for different vehicle types and conditions, which complicates the adaptation of airbag restraint in crashes.
Innovation Solution
An airbag arrangement with a cover part and inflatable element connected to the gas bag shell via fixed and detachable connections, where the inflatable element, powered by a separate gas source, releases the detachable connection to change the ventilation opening's cross-section, allowing the cover part to be lifted or pushed through the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inflatable element is designed as a separate part with detachable connections for each ventilation opening, then the adaptability to different crash conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable element is divided into multiple detachable connection sections, each associated with specific ventilation openings. This segmentation allows selective detachment of different vent openings based on crash conditions, improving adaptability while keeping each individual connection simple
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, controls multiple ventilation openings simultaneously, and adapts to different crash scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each vent, thereby reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the detachable connections are designed to release quickly across a wide temperature range, then the reliability of vent opening control is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connections are designed to respond to parameter changes such as temperature and pressure variations during inflation. The connection geometry and material properties are selected to ensure reliable detachment within a wide temperature range, balancing reliability with manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connections are designed to automatically release when exposed to the inflation conditions (pressure, temperature) without requiring external control mechanisms. This self-actuating feature improves reliability while reducing manufacturing complexity
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 enables flexible and efficient control of ventilation opening sizes across various airbag designs, enhancing the airbag's ability to adapt to different crash conditions without requiring extensive redesign, ensuring timely and effective restraint.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable element (5), which is also connected to the shell (20) of the gas bag (2) via the detachable connection (L) and inflatable by means of the gas source (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to an airbag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising an airbag (2), which can be inflated by a gas generator (1) to protect a vehicle occupant, wherein the envelope (20) of said airbag is defined by an interior of the airbag (2) that can be filled with gas, by a vent hole (22, 22a, 22b), through which gas can disperse from the airbag (2), and by a device for controlling the outlet cross-section of the vent hole (22, 22a, 22b), which comprises at least one cover part (7, 7a, 7b), by means of which the vent hole (22, 22a, 22b) can be covered in order to at least partially seal same, and which further comprises an actuation mechanism, which interacts with the cover part (7, 7a, 7b) in order to alter the outlet cross-section of the vent hole (22, 22a, 22b), wherein the actuation mechanism has an additional gas source (6) and an element (5) which is different from the airbag (2) and which can be inflated by said gas source (6), and wherein said element (5) interacts with the cover part (7, 7a, 7b) during inflation, such that the outlet cross-section of the vent hole (22, 22a, 22b) is altered. The invention proposes that the cover part (7, 7a, 7b) be connected to the envelope (20) of the airbag (2) by means of at least one fixed connection (F) and at least one detachable connection (L), and that the inflatable element (5) is designed as a (separate) element that is different to the cover part (7, 7a, 7b), wherein said element is also connected to the envelope (20) of the airbag (2) by means of a detachable connection (L).