Airbag Cushion Vertical Restrictor for Windshield-Safe Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag designs face challenges in positioning due to the slope of windshields and the need for an expansion zone, which can restrict the placement of airbags and increase the risk of shattering windshields during deployment.
Innovation Solution
An airbag module with a vertical restrictor disposed within the airbag cushion, affixed to both the cushion and the retainer, limits the airbag's vertical travel, preventing it from breaking the windshield, and includes a low-risk deployment flap and horizontal restrictor to control the trajectory and distance traveled during inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the airbag module is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle to allow for expansion zone, then the deployment space is improved, but the risk of breaking the windshield increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical restrictor that changes the deployment parameters by limiting the vertical travel distance of the airbag cushion. This restrictor allows the airbag to deploy with sufficient expansion volume while controlling the maximum vertical displacement to prevent windshield contact, thus resolving the contradiction between expansion zone requirements and windshield damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical restrictor acts as an intermediary component between the airbag cushion and the windshield. It provides a mechanical constraint that mediates the deployment process, allowing the airbag to expand adequately while preventing it from traveling far enough to break the windshield
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag module is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle, then the placement flexibility is improved, but the control over deployment trajectory becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the vertical restrictor, the patent changes the deployment parameters through a simple mechanical constraint. This maintains placement flexibility in various vehicle configurations while the restrictor automatically controls the trajectory by limiting vertical travel, avoiding complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical restrictor is a passive component that automatically controls the deployment trajectory without requiring active control systems or complex mechanisms. It self-regulates the airbag's vertical movement through its physical constraint, simplifying the overall system while maintaining trajectory control
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag module having a retainer, an airbag cushion affixed to the retainer, an inflator, affixed to the retainer, to inflate the airbag cushion and a vertical restrictor disposed inside the airbag cushion. The vertical restrictor being affixed to the airbag, cushion and to the retainer and configured to limit a distance the airbag cushion travels in a vertical direction during inflation.