Airbag Weaving Threads for Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag designs fail to efficiently exert a strong tensile effect within the airbag upon inflation, limiting the control over deployment behavior and airbag shape.
Innovation Solution
The airbag features loosely guided weaving threads that move longitudinally between two fabric layers, allowing for efficient draw-in of airbag sections by utilizing a block-and-tackle principle, which enhances the deployment behavior and shape control through zigzag guidance and secure attachment at ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If weaving threads are tightly connected at inlet and outlet points to the fabric layers, then the fabric layer is compressed and compacted (increasing tear resistance and gas tightness), but the weaving threads cannot move longitudinally to exert tensile effect on airbag sections
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between weaving threads and fabric layers is segmented into two distinct zones: tightly connected inlet/outlet points for strength, and a loose middle section for mobility. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different connection qualities are applied to different parts of the weaving thread system. The inlet and outlet points have tight connections for structural integrity, while the intermediate portions have loose connections enabling longitudinal movement and tensile effect.
2Ease of operation
If weaving threads extend freely from one fabric layer to the other, then longitudinal mobility is achieved, but the threads cannot effectively draw in airbag sections due to lack of secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The weaving thread system is divided into mobile intermediate sections and fixed endpoint sections. This segmentation enables the threads to combine both mobility in the middle with effective force transmission at the ends, resolving the contradiction between movement capability and tensile effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different mechanical properties are assigned to different portions of the weaving thread assembly. The intermediate portions possess high mobility for drawing in airbag sections, while the endpoint portions possess high strength for effective force transmission to the fabric layers.
3Force
If weaving threads are loosely guided at inlet and outlet points to enable longitudinal movement, then tensile effect and draw-in capability are improved, but the connection strength at connection points is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into strong endpoint connections and mobile intermediate connections. This allows the weaving threads to maintain strong attachments where needed while possessing mobility in intermediate sections to generate tensile effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The weaving thread assembly exhibits spatially varying mechanical properties: high connection strength at inlet and outlet points for structural integrity, and high mobility in intermediate sections for generating tensile effects and drawing in airbag portions.
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 systematic control over airbag deployment and shape, improving tear resistance and gas tightness, and supports the tensioning of tethers, mimicking the effect of a pneumatic muscle.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is based on the finding that the weaving threads loosely guided to and fro between the two fabric layers—by reversal of the block-and-tackle principle—can entail an especially efficient draw-in of particular airbag sections with a given deployment force and direction by multiplying the distance.
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag (20) for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a first fabric layer (10) and an opposed second fabric layer (12) each being formed of a composite fabric of wefts and warps and delimiting a chamber (14) adapted to be filled with gas. Plural weaving threads (16) are provided which exit the composite fabric of a fabric layer (10, 12) in the direction of the other fabric layer (12, 10) and are freely floating in the chamber (14) before they enter into the composite fabric of the other fabric layer (12, 10). The weaving threads (16) are movable in their longitudinal direction relative to the inlet and outlet points.