Arch-Shaped Bed Airbag for Reclined Occupant Kinematics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety systems do not effectively manage occupant kinematics in reclined positions during vehicle impacts, as they primarily focus on upright seating due to safety concerns, which may evolve with technological advancements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle bed assembly with an inflatable arch-shaped airbag system that deploys from the first end to the second end of the bed, supported by a pyrotechnic device and tether mechanism, to control occupant kinematics and provide safety in reclined positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If occupants recline in vehicle beds, then comfort and versatility are improved, but safety during impacts deteriorates due to lack of effective kinematic control
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a static stored state to a dynamic deployed arch shape that adapts to the reclined occupant position. The airbag inflates and forms an arch extending from the head region toward the foot region, dynamically adjusting to protect the occupant's kinematics during impact while maintaining comfort during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag deploys into a three-dimensional arch shape rather than a simple linear barrier. This arch configuration extends vertically and longitudinally to encompass the reclined occupant, creating a protective volume that addresses the multi-dimensional safety requirements of reclined positioning.
2Reliability
If traditional airbag systems are used, then upright seating safety is maintained, but effectiveness for reclined positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains protection for traditional upright seating positions while simultaneously providing effective kinematic control for reclined positions. The arch configuration and deployment mechanism enable the same system to adapt to different occupant postures, making it universally effective across seating variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag's physical parameters (shape, volume, deployment direction) are optimized to change based on the intended protection scenario. The system maintains its core safety function for upright seating while incorporating design parameters that enable arch formation and extended reach for reclined position protection.
3Reliability
If an arch-shaped airbag is deployed, then occupant kinematics are controlled in reclined positions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system utilizes the vehicle's existing impact detection and airbag control infrastructure to automatically deploy the arch configuration. The pyrotechnic device and inflation mechanism are integrated with the vehicle's current safety systems, allowing the complex arch deployment to occur automatically without additional control complexity or user intervention.
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 controls occupant kinematics in reclined positions during impacts, enhancing safety by deploying an arch-shaped airbag that surrounds the occupant, thereby mitigating injury risks associated with non-upright seating.
Implementation Method 1
An airbag is inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a bed having a reclined position in which the bed is elongated along an axis A. The bed includes a first side and a second side with the axis A between the first side and the second side. The bed in the reclined position has a first end and a second end spaced from each other along the axis A. The bed includes an occupant support surface between the first end and second end. The assembly includes an airbag that is inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag is housed in the first end in the uninflated position. The airbag in the inflated position has an arch shape between the first side of the bed and the second side of the bed. The arch is elongated along the axis A from the first end toward the second end above the occupant support surface.