Driver Airbag Gas Rectifier Layout for 6 O'Clock Deployment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver airbag systems face challenges in achieving effective deployment and restraining performance due to complex structures and insufficient control over airbag deployment behavior and shape, particularly in steering wheel-mounted systems where the airbag must deploy downward to avoid the driver's abdomen.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel unit with an airbag device featuring a gas generator, an airbag, and a gas rectifying member formed from a bilaterally symmetrical flat panel with strategically positioned openings to control gas flow, ensuring rapid deployment in the 6 o'clock direction by optimizing the shape and flow of expansion gas, thereby enhancing occupant restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag deploys rapidly toward the lower portion of the steering wheel to restrain the driver, then the occupant restraining performance is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and deployment control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gas rectifying member is divided into multiple functional regions with different opening configurations. The panel includes a first opening portion in the upper region, a second opening portion in the lower region, and a third opening portion in the side region, allowing segmented control of gas flow to different areas of the airbag for optimized deployment without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The gas rectifying member acts as an intermediary component between the gas generator and the airbag. It controls and directs the expansion gas flow through strategically positioned opening portions, mediating the deployment process to achieve rapid downward deployment while maintaining structural simplicity
2Speed
If the airbag deploys quickly in the 6 o'clock direction to avoid driver impact, then the deployment speed is improved, but the control over deployment shape and behavior becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the gas rectifying member have different opening characteristics tailored to specific deployment needs. The first opening portion (upper), second opening portion (lower), and third opening portion (side) create localized gas flow patterns that collectively achieve controlled rapid deployment in the 6 o'clock direction with proper shape formation
Solution Approach 2:
The gas rectifying member utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of opening portions at different heights and angular positions. This multi-dimensional configuration allows precise control over gas flow distribution, enabling the airbag to achieve both rapid deployment speed and controlled deployment shape simultaneously
3Reliability
If a gas rectifying member is added to control expansion gas flow, then the deployment control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas rectifying member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it directs gas flow to achieve rapid 6 o'clock deployment, controls deployment shape through its opening configuration, and prevents unwanted gas flow patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, offsetting the complexity increase with functional consolidation
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
The solution enables a simpler structure with improved occupant restraining performance by ensuring the airbag deploys quickly and effectively between the driver and the steering wheel, reducing the risk of injury by appropriately controlling gas flow and deployment direction.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generator that generates expansion gas
Implementation Method 2
a gas rectifying member provided inside the airbag so as to cover the occupant side of the gas generator, and that controls the flow of the expansion gas
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To improve restraining performance of an occupant by appropriately controlling the deployment shape of an airbag. [Resolution Means] An airbag device according to the present invention is an airbag device stored in a steering wheel of a vehicle, containing: a gas generator that generates expansion gas; an airbag that expands and deploys by the expansion gas to restrain an occupant; and a gas rectifying member provided inside the airbag so as to cover the occupant side of the gas generator, and that controls the flow of the expansion gas. The gas rectifying member is formed from a flat panel including a portion bilaterally symmetrical to a line connecting 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock (X axis) when a plane parallel to a rim of the steering wheel is regarded as a clock face, and has a configuration where a lower opening portion for discharging the expansion gas in a 6 o'clock direction is formed by stitching left and right edge portions of the panel together, and the occupant side of the gas generator is covered. Furthermore, when the panel before stitching is virtually divided into four parts by the X-axis and a line connecting 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock (Y-axis) in accordance with an actual installation orientation with regard to the steering wheel, a first opening portion and a second opening portion are respectively formed in an upper right portion region between 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock and in an upper left portion region between 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock.