Dynamic Seat Cushion Activation for Passenger Submarining Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger protection systems fail to effectively prevent the lower body of a passenger from moving forward during collisions, especially when the passenger is not in the expected sitting position, leading to inadequate impact absorption by airbags and seat belts.
Innovation Solution
A passenger protection apparatus comprising a seat with an activation member that can change its activation point based on the sitting position of the passenger, utilizing detectors to predict collisions and adjust the airbag deployment to support the lower back and buttocks from various sitting states, thereby preventing submarining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed airbag deployment position is used in the seat cushion, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively prevent submarining when the passenger is not in the expected sitting position
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag deployment position is made dynamic rather than fixed. The activation member can change its activation point along the seat cushion based on the detected sitting position of the passenger, allowing the system to adapt to different sitting postures and maintain protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
A sitting position detector is introduced to provide feedback about the passenger's actual sitting position. The controller uses this feedback information to determine the appropriate activation point for the airbag, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts deployment based on real-time conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag activates at a fixed position, then the control system is simple, but it cannot adapt to various sitting states of the passenger
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static activation point to a dynamic one that can move along the seat cushion. The activation member's position is adjusted automatically based on the passenger's sitting state, enabling the system to handle diverse sitting positions effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The activation point parameter of the airbag is made variable rather than constant. The controller changes the activation point position according to the detected sitting position, allowing the system to adapt to different passenger configurations and sitting habits
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger protection apparatus includes a seat, an activation member, a first detector, a second detector, and a controller. The seat has a seat cushion on which a passenger can sit. The activation member is configured to be activated upward in the seat cushion. The first detector is configured to detect or predict a collision of a vehicle. The second detector is configured to detect a sitting state of the passenger sitting on the seat cushion. The controller is configured to control activation of the activation member. The activation member can change an activation point at which the activation member is activated upward. When the first detector detects or predicts a collision of the vehicle, the controller sets the activation point on a basis of the sitting position detected by the second detector, and activates the activation member upward in the seat cushion at the determined activation point.