Spring-Loaded Deployable Panel Airbag Reaction Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag systems in vehicles often rely on windshields as reaction surfaces during deployment, limiting design flexibility for windshield positioning and angle, as the airbag's inflation direction is influenced by the windshield's location.
Innovation Solution
A deployable panel supported by a spring, which moves from a retracted to an extended position upon actuation, guides the airbag's inflation direction, positioning it rearward of the windshield and providing a reaction surface, thus decoupling the airbag's inflation path from the windshield's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the windshield is used as a reaction surface for airbag deployment, then the airbag deployment is supported, but the design flexibility for windshield positioning and angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction surface function is segmented from the windshield and assigned to a separate deployable panel. This allows the windshield to be positioned and angled independently for aesthetic and structural purposes, while the deployable panel provides the necessary reaction surface for airbag deployment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A deployable panel acts as an intermediary between the airbag and the windshield. This panel can be deployed to provide a reaction surface for airbag deployment, decoupling the airbag's inflation path from the windshield's location and angle constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable panel is added to guide airbag inflation, then design freedom in windshield positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to be deployable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition from a stowed position during normal operation to a deployed position during airbag deployment. This dynamic approach provides the necessary function only when needed, minimizing impact on overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel's position and configuration can be changed from retracted to extended states. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between normal driving conditions and crash deployment conditions, providing design freedom without permanently increasing structural complexity.
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 allows for greater design freedom in windshield positioning and angle, as the airbag's deployment direction is controlled by the deployable panel, reducing the reliance on the windshield as a reaction surface and enhancing safety by directing the airbag's movement effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly includes a spring between the vehicle interior component and the deployable panel. The spring biases the deployable panel toward the extended position.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a vehicle interior component. The assembly includes an airbag mounted to the vehicle interior component. The assembly includes a deployable panel supported by the vehicle interior component adjacent the airbag, the deployable panel being movable relative to the vehicle interior component between a retracted position and an extended position. The assembly includes a spring between the vehicle interior component and the deployable panel. The spring biases the deployable panel toward the extended position.