Deployable Reaction Surface for Airbag Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicle designs, the lower and further-forward dashboard and altered windshield positioning create a lack of a naturally occurring reaction surface for airbag deployment, necessitating an alternative mechanism to effectively direct and restrain occupants during airbag deployment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle occupant restraint system that includes an airbag cushion and a deployable reaction surface, such as a pivotable instrument panel, telescoping rods, flexible straps, or fabric hoods, which deploy to direct the airbag cushion towards the occupant area, providing a necessary reaction surface for effective deployment and restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dashboard is lowered and positioned further from the passenger (as in autonomous vehicle designs), then the dashboard design flexibility and autonomous vehicle functionality are improved, but a naturally-existing reaction surface for airbag deployment is no longer available in sufficient proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction surface is designed to be deployable rather than fixed, transitioning from a retracted position to an extended position during airbag deployment. This dynamic structure allows the dashboard to maintain its lowered, space-efficient design while providing a reaction surface when needed, resolving the contradiction between design flexibility and airbag effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A deployable reaction surface structure acts as an intermediary element between the airbag module and the occupant. This intermediate structure provides the necessary reaction surface for effective airbag deployment without requiring the dashboard to be positioned in a location that would compromise autonomous vehicle design requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If the windshield is positioned further from the passenger (as in autonomous vehicle designs), then the autonomous vehicle interior space is improved, but a naturally-existing reaction surface for airbag deployment is no longer available in sufficient proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable reaction surface transitions from a compact retracted state that maximizes interior space to an extended deployed state that provides the necessary reaction surface for airbag deployment, resolving the contradiction between interior volume and deployment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction surface is positioned and prepared in advance (in the retracted position) within the available interior space, then deployed when needed to provide the reaction surface functionality, allowing the system to maintain space efficiency while ensuring deployment effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a deployable reaction surface is added to provide a surface for airbag deployment, then airbag deployment effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable reaction surface structure serves multiple functions: it provides a reaction surface for airbag deployment, maintains dashboard structural integrity, and can be integrated with existing dashboard components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction surface structure is merged with existing dashboard components rather than being added as a completely separate system. This integration approach combines functions and reduces the number of discrete parts, minimizing the increase in device complexity while still providing the necessary deployment effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle occupant restraint system includes an airbag cushion. A reaction surface is configured to move between a retracted position and a deployed position upon deployment of the airbag cushion, such that the reaction surfaces will direct the airbag cushion toward an occupant area upon deployment of the airbag cushion. Multiple embodiments of reaction surfaces are disclosed, including deployable instrument panel sections, flexible straps, and hoods.