Curtain airbag device mounting structure and curtain airbag deployment method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional curtain airbag deployment systems face limitations due to the positioning of pillars in vehicle structures, which can hinder the inflation and deployment of curtain airbags, affecting both driver visibility and the effectiveness of the airbag's deployment.
Innovation Solution
A curtain airbag device mounting structure that includes a first pillar and a second pillar positioned at a predetermined distance, with a transparent member bridging them, allowing for unobstructed deployment of the curtain airbag along the roof side rail and enabling wide vehicle visibility, while the A-pillar garnish is designed to manage deployment loads and prevent breakage or flying debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the curtain airbag is stored along the first pillar, then the storage space is available, but the second pillar hinders the inflation and deployment of the curtain airbag
Solution Approach 1:
The A-pillar is divided into two separate pillars: the first pillar (front pillar) and the second pillar (rear pillar). The curtain airbag is stored along the first pillar, while the second pillar is positioned rearward to avoid interfering with the airbag's inflation and deployment path, thus resolving the conflict between storage availability and deployment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the second pillar in the front-rear direction (longitudinal dimension) at a predetermined distance rearward from the first pillar. This spatial arrangement in the longitudinal dimension allows the curtain airbag to inflate and deploy freely in the lateral dimension without being hindered by the second pillar, while still maintaining structural integrity
2Device complexity
If the A-pillar is designed with a single structure, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the driver's view is obstructed and airbag deployment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The A-pillar is segmented into two distinct pillars (first and second pillars) positioned at a predetermined distance apart in the front-rear direction. This segmentation creates a gap that allows the transparent member to be installed, improving driver visibility while providing separate storage and deployment zones for the curtain airbag, thus enhancing reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent member is introduced as an intermediary element bridging the gap between the first and second pillars. This transparent member maintains the structural connection and supports the A-pillar assembly while allowing light transmission for driver visibility, thus resolving the conflict between structural integrity and visibility requirements
3Illumination intensity
If the transparent member is installed between the first and second pillars, then driver visibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector between the first and second pillars, provides a mounting surface for the A-pillar garnish, allows light transmission for driver visibility, and contributes to the overall rigidity of the A-pillar assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thus limiting the increase in structural complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A curtain airbag device mounting structure includes: a first pillar (26) forming a part of a front pillar (24) and extends substantially along a vehicle height direction; a second pillar (28) forming another part of the front pillar (24), the second pillar (28) being disposed on a rear side of a vehicle relative to the first pillar (26) at a predetermined distance from the first pillar (26) and extending substantially along the vehicle height direction; a transparent member bridged between the first pillar (26) and the second pillar (28); and a curtain airbag device (88) including a curtain airbag stored along a roof side rail (92) and the second pillar (28), the curtain airbag being configured to inflate and deploy in a curtain-like fashion over a side portion of a cabin of the vehicle in case of a collision of the vehicle.