Concave Passenger Airbag Head and Shoulder Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-volume front passenger airbags pose a risk due to their weight and rapid deployment, which can be hazardous if the passenger is not in the standard seating position, and provide limited thorax protection when the passenger is wearing a seatbelt.
Innovation Solution
Designing a front passenger airbag with a smaller volume (up to 50 liters) that focuses exclusively on the head and shoulder area, featuring a concave impact surface to enhance protection and reduce weight, and integrating a warning system for unbuckled passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the airbag volume is increased to cover the entire upper area of the instrument panel for comprehensive protection, then the protection coverage for head and thorax is improved, but the weight and deployment speed risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the airbag coverage into two distinct zones: a first airbag region for head protection and a second airbag region for thorax protection. This segmentation allows the airbag system to provide comprehensive protection while using a smaller overall volume, reducing weight and deployment risks associated with large-volume single-zone airbags.
2Area of stationary object
If the airbag volume is increased to provide comprehensive protection, then the protection coverage is improved, but the deployment speed risk increases due to the need for rapid unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the airbag into separate head and thorax regions with different volume characteristics, the system can deploy more efficiently. The segmented structure allows for controlled deployment timing and speed, reducing the risk associated with rapid unfolding of large-volume airbags while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
3Weight of moving object
If the airbag volume is reduced to minimize weight and deployment risk, then the weight and safety risk are reduced, but the protection coverage for thorax area is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a second airbag region specifically dedicated to thorax protection, ensuring that even with reduced overall volume, the thorax area receives adequate protection. This segmented approach allows optimization of each region's volume and deployment characteristics for its specific protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system applies different design characteristics to different regions: the first airbag region for head protection and the second airbag region for thorax protection. Each region is optimized with appropriate volume, shape, and deployment timing suited to its specific protective requirement, achieving comprehensive protection with minimized overall weight.
4Weight of moving object
If the airbag is designed for small volume to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the side protection capability in laterally offset collisions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the airbag skin with a concave shape in the fully expanded state, creating a curved impact surface that extends further into the vehicle interior. This curvature allows the small-volume airbag to provide enhanced side protection in laterally offset collisions by directing force more effectively across the occupant's head and shoulder area.
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
Significantly reduces the risk of injury from out-of-position passengers and provides improved protection for seated individuals by focusing on the head and shoulder area, while minimizing weight and ensuring adequate side protection in laterally offset collisions.
Implementation Method 1
The airbag skin (10) encloses a gas space (210) in which a gas generator (20) is arranged
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~7
Figure 8~9a
AI summary
The invention relates to a passenger front airbag (5) for arrangement in the instrument panel (20) of a motor vehicle. Said airbag has an airbag envelope (10), which has an impact surface (11) and side surfaces extending from the impact surface (11). In order to be able to use smaller gas generators and reduce the risk for a passenger not located in the standard seating position, the impact surface (11) is associated solely with the head region or the head and shoulder region of the passenger (I), wherein the impact surface (11), when the airbag envelope (10) is completely inflated and free of outside forces, has a concave shape such that a left and a right section of the impact surface (11) each extend further into the interior of the motor vehicle than a center section.