Driver Airbag Extension Structure for Steering-Wheel-Free Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbag systems in vehicles often rely on the steering wheel as a reaction surface during inflation, which can limit the shape and design of the steering wheel, and may not effectively control the kinematics of occupants during impacts.
Innovation Solution
The airbag system includes extensions that stiffen the main chamber, eliminating the steering wheel as a reaction surface by creating tension at the outermost periphery, allowing for a non-circular airbag design and improved occupant kinematics control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is used as a reaction surface for airbag inflation, then the airbag deployment is supported, but the steering wheel design is limited and occupant kinematics control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into a main chamber and an extension portion. The extension portion segments the traditional airbag structure by adding a specific section that extends toward the rear panel, creating a distinct functional zone that provides reaction surface independently from the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion adds a new spatial dimension to the airbag structure by extending from the main chamber toward the rear panel area. This dimensional extension creates additional reaction surface area in a different spatial location, eliminating dependence on the steering wheel as the sole reaction surface.
2Reliability
If extensions are added to the airbag to stiffen the main chamber, then occupant kinematics control is improved, but airbag structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion is merged with the main chamber to form an integrated airbag structure. The inflation chamber connects both portions, creating a unified system where the extension stiffens the main chamber without requiring separate mechanical components or complex assembly mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion utilizes the flexible airbag material itself to create structural stiffness. By forming an extension that reaches toward the rear panel, the flexible film structure creates tension and rigidity in the main chamber during inflation, controlling occupant kinematics without rigid components.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a vehicle includes a steering wheel. The assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag has a main chamber supported by the steering wheel. The main chamber in the inflated position has a rear panel facing the steering wheel, an impact panel opposite the rear panel, and an outermost periphery between the impact panel and the rear panel. The airbag includes an extension having a first end and a terminal end. The extension extends from the first end to the terminal end adjacent the rear panel of the main chamber. The first end extends from the outermost periphery and the rear panel and the terminal end is connected to the rear panel. The airbag has an inflation chamber extending from the main chamber to the terminal end through the first end of the extension.