Console Airbag with External Tether for Occupant Kinematics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle impact tests, such as the USNCAP and EuroNCAP, face challenges in effectively controlling the kinematics of vehicle occupants during side impacts, particularly in preventing excessive inboard motion of the head, which can lead to brain injuries.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual airbag system supported by a middle console with external tethers that inflate upwardly to control cross-vehicle movement of occupants, where the first airbag acts as a reaction surface for the second airbag, stabilized by the tether, to limit separation and enhance occupant protection during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single airbag is used to protect occupants during side impact, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to control occupant kinematics and prevent excessive inboard motion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is divided into a first airbag and a second airbag positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. Each airbag independently protects against inboard motion from its respective side, providing comprehensive coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second airbags are combined with a shared middle console structure and coordinated inflation system. This merging allows the airbags to work together as a unified protective system, where each airbag serves as a reaction surface for the other, enhancing overall protection effectiveness
2Reliability
If airbags are allowed to move freely during inflation, then the ease of operation is high, but the stability of the airbag position during impact is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The middle console acts as an intermediary structure between the first and second airbags. It provides a stable mounting point and reaction surface that anchors the airbags in position during inflation and impact, preventing excessive movement while maintaining proper deployment geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls airbag position stability by managing inflation parameters and timing. The airbags are inflated to specific volumes and pressures that optimize their stabilizing effect while preventing excessive movement, with the middle console structure providing mechanical constraints on maximum displacement
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 configuration effectively reduces the risk of brain injuries by stabilizing the airbags and controlling occupant kinematics, ensuring the head and torso are protected by limiting the movement of the airbags and preventing separation during impacts, thus meeting stringent safety test criteria.
Implementation Method 1
a first airbag and second airbag supported by and inflatable upwardly from the middle console 12
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an assembly having a middle console and a first airbag and second airbag each supported by and inflatable upwardly from the middle console to an inflated position. The first airbag and the second airbag each have a top distal to the middle console in the inflated position. A tether is external to the first airbag and the second airbag. The tether is connected to the top of the first airbag and the top of the second airbag.