Curtain Airbag Tether Structure for Panorama Window Ejection Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

In autonomous vehicles with panorama windows, occupants are at risk of being thrown out during side collisions due to reduced body height and insufficient force from conventional curtain airbags.

Innovation Solution

A curtain airbag apparatus with a reinforced restriction force, achieved through a connection structure between the curtain airbag cushion and the vehicle body using a tether carriage and cushion tether system, which enhances the deployment and external force resistance of the airbag cushion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a panorama window is used as the side window to improve openness and visibility, then the sense of openness and visibility are improved, but the vehicle body height is reduced causing occupants to be thrown out during side collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidoccupant safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies prior cushioning by deploying an airbag before the actual collision impact occurs. The airbag is inflated in advance during side collisions to provide a protective cushion between the occupant and the vehicle interior, preventing the occupant from being thrown out through the panorama window while maintaining the large window design for visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the protective mechanism from a static structure (traditional airbag) to a dynamic system with variable parameters. The airbag's inflation pressure, volume, and timing are adjusted based on collision detection signals, allowing the system to adapt to different collision scenarios and provide optimal protection while maintaining the panorama window design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a conventional curtain airbag is provided to prevent occupants from being thrown out, then some protection is provided, but the restriction force is insufficient in vehicles with panorama windows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant protectionVSAvoidrestriction force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple protective functions into a single integrated airbag system. The airbag combines cushioning, restriction, and support functions, working in conjunction with the vehicle body structure to provide enhanced restriction force. This unified approach allows the airbag to effectively counteract the reduced structural support from the panorama window design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material principles in the airbag construction, using multi-layer fabric structures with different material properties. The airbag incorporates high-strength materials for structural support combined with softer materials for occupant comfort, creating a composite protective barrier that provides both sufficient restriction force and gentle cushioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle body height is reduced to accommodate the panorama window, then the panorama window can be installed, but the upper body of the occupant rotates toward the side window causing them to be thrown out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanorama window installationVSAvoidoccupant position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the airbag as an intermediary element between the occupant and the vehicle interior. This intermediary provides a dynamic support surface that adapts to the occupant's body position and movement, stabilizing the occupant during side collisions despite the reduced vehicle body height caused by the panorama window installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reinforced curtain airbag apparatus effectively prevents occupants from being thrown out of the vehicle during side collisions, even with panorama windows, by securing the occupant movement and improving safety and marketability.

Implementation Method 1

an inflator securely provided on a roof side panel of the vehicle; a curtain airbag cushion connected to the inflator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas generation and expansion:

Implementation Method 2

a cushion restriction device connecting the curtain airbag cushion to a vehicle body, and configured to move along a deployment direction of the curtain airbag cushion during deployment of the curtain airbag cushion, and configured to reinforce a restriction force of the curtain airbag cushion by acting a support force with respect to an external force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement and force transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS11745692B2Curtain airbag apparatus for vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A curtain airbag apparatus for a vehicle is configured to connect a curtain airbag cushion to a vehicle body by a cushion restriction device including a tether carriage and a cushion tether to reinforce a restriction force of the deployed curtain airbag cushion, and to reinforce restriction on movement of an occupant during a side collision by use of the curtain airbag cushion having the reinforced restriction force to prevent the occupant from being thrown through a vehicle side window during a side collision even when a panorama window is used as the side window.