Angular Airbag for Offset Impact Energy Redirection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag systems are inadequate in mitigating intrusion during small offset rigid barrier impacts, as they do not effectively redirect impact energy and minimize vehicle intrusion in such collision scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A deployable airbag system mounted to the front side rail of a vehicle, with an impact detection sensor triggering the inflation of an angularly configured airbag that generates a lateral force against the rigid barrier, redirecting the vehicle's movement to minimize intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional airbag systems are used, then occupant protection is provided, but intrusion mitigation during small offset rigid barrier impacts is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber and second chamber) with different functions. The first chamber generates lateral force for intrusion mitigation, while the second chamber provides occupant protection. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously address both intrusion mitigation and occupant safety, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the two airbag chambers. It separates the lateral force generation function from the occupant protection function while allowing both to operate within the same airbag system. The partition enables the system to mediate between the conflicting requirements of intrusion mitigation and traditional safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lateral force generating structure is added to redirect impact energy, then intrusion is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is designed to perform multiple functions: the first chamber generates lateral force for impact energy redirection, while the second chamber provides traditional occupant protection. By making the airbag multi-functional, the system adds intrusion mitigation capability without requiring a completely separate device, thus managing complexity while achieving the desired effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The second airbag chamber is nested within the overall airbag structure, with the partition wall creating a contained space inside the main airbag volume. This nesting arrangement allows the lateral force generation mechanism to be integrated within the existing airbag deployment structure, minimizing additional complexity while achieving impact energy redirection.
3Force
If the airbag is configured with an angular leading edge, then lateral force is generated effectively, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag chambers are designed to inflate to specific angular configurations dynamically during deployment. Rather than requiring precise pre-formed angular structures, the system uses the inflation process itself to create the desired angular leading edge shape. This dynamic approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements while achieving effective lateral force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the inflation parameters (gas flow rate, pressure, timing) to achieve the desired angular configuration of the leading edge. By adjusting inflation parameters rather than relying on rigid pre-formed structures, the system can achieve the required angular precision with lower manufacturing tolerances, thus 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
The airbag system effectively redirects impact energy by generating a high lateral force, minimizing vehicle intrusion and optimizing vehicle performance in small offset rigid barrier impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly includes a flexible substrate having a front surface and a rear surface. A conductive ink is printed on the flexible substrate to form a force-resistive film
Implementation Method 2
An inflator is operationally coupled with the airbag and is responsive to electrical actuation for inflating the airbag with a gas
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing device for actuating an airbag system in a motor vehicle comprises an airbag having a stowed condition and an inflated condition, an inflator operationally coupled with the airbag responsive to electrical actuation for inflating the airbag with a gas, an impact detection sensor for generating a signal upon an offset impact event, and a controller for processing the signal generated by the sensor and electrically actuating the inflator upon computing a predetermined impact severity to a forward corner of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle further comprises a front bumper beam attached proximate a distal end of a front rail and the sensor comprises a flexible electro-resistive sensor mounted to a rear side of an outboard portion of the front bumper beam.