Deployable Head Restraint Airbag for Wider Impact Reaction Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag assemblies in vehicles face design restrictions due to limited cross-seat width of head restraints, which can be inadequate as a reaction surface during certain vehicle impacts, as they do not effectively expand to accommodate the inflated airbag.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle-seat assembly incorporates a sliding member and track system where the airbag's inflation forces the sliding member from an undeployed to a deployed position, increasing the cross-seat width of the head restraint, allowing it to operate as a larger reaction surface during impacts, with multiple sliding members moving in opposite directions to enhance the footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the head restraint uses a fixed structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the cross-seat width is limited and insufficient as a reaction surface during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint structure transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic deployable structure. The sliding member moves along the track from a retracted position to a deployed position, dynamically increasing the cross-seat width when needed during impact events, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and functional area.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint is divided into separate functional components: a fixed frame, a movable sliding member, and a track system. This segmentation allows the sliding member to independently extend the cross-seat width when required, while the fixed frame maintains structural integrity, thus increasing the reaction surface area without overly complicating the overall structure.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sliding members move in opposite directions, then the footprint and reaction surface area are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs asymmetric deployment where sliding members move in opposite directions from a central position. This asymmetric configuration allows both sides of the head restraint to extend simultaneously, maximizing the footprint and reaction surface area. The symmetry in motion pattern simplifies the control mechanism despite the increased functional area.
3Extent of automation
If the airbag inflation forces the sliding member to deploy, then no additional actuator is needed, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag inflation process itself provides the force needed to deploy the sliding member. As the airbag inflates, it pushes against the sliding member, automatically moving it from the retracted to the deployed position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate actuators or motors, achieving automation without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The track serves as an intermediary element that guides and constrains the sliding member's motion. It translates the radial inflation force of the airbag into linear motion of the sliding member along the track, enabling automatic deployment while maintaining structural control and simplicity.
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 solution alleviates design constraints by expanding the head restraint's footprint, effectively utilizing the airbag's inflation force to enhance its role as a reaction surface, thereby improving occupant safety during vehicle impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the inflator activates and provides inflation medium to the airbag. This pressurizes the airbag to control the kinematics of an occupant during certain vehicle impacts
Implementation Method 2
The base moves with the sliding member from the undeployed position to the deployed position of the sliding member as the airbag moves from the uninflated position to the inflated position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle-seat assembly. The vehicle-seat assembly includes a vehicle seat having a seatback. The vehicle-seat assembly includes a head restraint having a frame supported by the seatback and a sliding member supported by the frame. The vehicle-seat assembly includes a track between the sliding member and the frame. The sliding member is slidable along the track from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The vehicle-seat assembly includes an airbag inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag has a base fixed to the sliding member in the uninflated position and the inflated position. The base forces the sliding member from the undeployed position to the deployed position as the airbag moves from the uninflated position to the inflated position.