Deployable Reaction Panel for Airbag Support in Opposing Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger vehicles with non-traditional seating arrangements, where seats face both forward and rearward, lack a suitable reaction surface for airbag deployment, as there is no seat structure between passengers in different rows to transfer force effectively during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A deployable restraint system comprising a reaction panel and an inflatable cushion, actuated by sensors and controllers, which deploys between the vehicle's roof and sides to create a tensioned surface that transfers force from the passenger to the roof and sides, providing a reaction surface for the inflatable cushion to restrain passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seats are arranged in non-traditional configurations facing each other, then seating versatility is improved, but the availability of a reaction surface for airbag deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deployable reaction panel that transitions from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration upon detection of an impact event. This dynamic deployment allows the system to adapt to non-traditional seating arrangements by creating a reaction surface only when needed, rather than requiring permanent structural modifications that would compromise seating versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction panel serves as an intermediary structure between the passenger and the vehicle's existing structural elements (roof, sides, floor). By deploying this intermediate panel, the system creates a force transfer path without requiring direct modification of the seating arrangement or existing vehicle structure, thus preserving seating versatility while enabling airbag functionality.
2Reliability
If a deployable reaction panel is added to provide a reaction surface, then airbag deployment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction panel is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a reaction surface for airbag deployment, transfers force to the vehicle structure, and can be integrated with existing vehicle safety systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction panel utilizes a flexible, thin-panel structure that can be easily stored and deployed. This design minimizes the space required for storage and reduces the structural complexity compared to rigid reaction surfaces, while still providing effective force transfer capability when deployed.
3Force
If the reaction panel is deployed between the roof and sides, then force transfer capability is improved, but the space available for passenger movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction panel is designed as a segmented or localized structure that deploys only in the specific region where force transfer is needed during an impact event. Rather than occupying the entire passenger compartment, the panel is positioned strategically to create force transfer paths while minimizing intrusion into passenger space during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction panel is deployed in advance of an actual impact event upon detection of collision conditions. This preliminary deployment ensures the force transfer path is established before the impact occurs, while the panel remains stowed during normal operation to preserve maximum passenger compartment volume.
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
Effectively restrains passengers in non-traditional seating configurations by deploying a reaction panel and inflatable cushion to transfer force from the passenger to the vehicle's structure, ensuring safety during impacts and high acceleration events.
Implementation Method 1
The panel is placed in tension between one of the sides and the roof when deployed by the panel actuator
Implementation Method 2
a cushion actuator that deploys the cushion by inflating the cushion
Implementation Method 3
An upper end of the panel may be fixedly coupled to the roof at the upper tension locations to transfer force thereto
Implementation Method 4
A lower end of the panel may be coupled to a tether that transfers force to the lower outboard tension location
Implementation Method 5
When both of the panel and the inflatable cushion are deployed, the inflatable cushion may extend below the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable restraint system including a panel, a tether coupled to the panel, and an actuator that moves the tether to deploy the panel. The panel and the tether are placed in tension between one of two sides of a compartment and a top of the compartment when the tether is moved by the actuator.