Deployable Roof Cargo Panel With Airbag for Forward Cargo Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, cargo can shift forward during sudden deceleration, posing a risk to occupants, and existing safety systems do not effectively manage this risk while also providing cargo storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable panel connected to the vehicle roof, which can deploy between the passenger and cargo compartments to retain cargo and inflate an airbag forward to control occupant kinematics during collisions, while being adjustable by a motor and locking device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a panel is deployed to retain cargo and inflate airbag during collision, then occupant safety is improved, but cargo compartment accessibility and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to be movable between deployed and retracted positions, allowing the system to adapt between safety mode (deployed) and cargo access mode (retracted). The motorized actuation enables dynamic reconfiguration of the panel position based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety system is segmented into separate functional components: the panel for cargo retention, the airbag for occupant protection, and the motorized actuation system. This segmentation allows independent operation of each component to address different needs (safety vs. accessibility).
2Reliability
If a rotatable panel is added to separate passenger and cargo compartments, then cargo retention during deceleration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel structure integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a cargo retention barrier and a mounting surface for the airbag system. The motorized actuation mechanism combines rotation and positioning capabilities into a single integrated assembly, reducing the need for separate mechanical components.
3Volume of moving object
If airbag is integrated with the panel structure, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is nested within or integrated into the panel structure, allowing the airbag to be housed within the same spatial envelope as the panel. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization while keeping the overall system compact.
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 solution effectively impedes forward movement of cargo during deceleration, enhancing occupant safety by deploying a panel and airbag to manage kinematics, and allows for flexible cargo compartment configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation device in communication with the airbag for inflating the airbag from an uninflated position to an inflated position
Implementation Method 2
A rotatable panel connected to the vehicle roof, which can deploy between the passenger and cargo compartments
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle roof and a panel rotatably connected to the vehicle roof. The panel is rotatable away from the vehicle roof from a stowed position to a deployed position. The assembly includes an airbag supported on the panel. The airbag is inflatable from the panel in a vehicle-forward direction when the panel is in the deployed position.