Far-Side Airbag Sub Bag Deployment for Console Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle occupant restraint systems face challenges in effectively restricting the movement of far-side airbags during side collisions, as the deployment of the small-volume airbag is hindered by the position of the large-volume airbag, leading to inadequate support and potential collapse against the console.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle occupant restraint system featuring a far-side airbag with a sub bag and main bag connected via a communication opening, where the sub bag is inflated and deployed first between the occupant's waist and console, providing support to the main bag, ensuring effective restriction of the airbag's movement during side collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the small-volume airbag is sewn to the side of the large-volume airbag, then the airbag system can provide structural support to prevent collapse, but the deployed position of the small-volume airbag becomes dependent on the deployed state of the large-volume airbag, which may fail to reach the set position in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into two independent bags: a large-volume airbag for head protection and a small-volume airbag for console support. These bags are connected via a communication opening rather than being sewn together, allowing independent deployment while maintaining system functionality. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling the small-volume airbag to reach its set position independently of the large-volume airbag's deployment state.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication opening serves as an intermediary element between the large-volume airbag and the small-volume airbag. This opening allows gas to flow between the bags while maintaining their structural independence. The communication opening enables the small-volume airbag to deploy to its predetermined position without being constrained by the deployment state of the large-volume airbag, thus improving deployment reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If the bottom section of the large-volume airbag is deployed to a narrow space between the console and occupant waist, then the airbag can provide compact protection, but the small-volume airbag cannot be reliably deployed to the set position, compromising support function
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is segmented into two independent functional units: the large-volume airbag optimized for head protection in narrow spaces and the small-volume airbag optimized for console support. Their independence through the communication opening connection allows each to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between compact volume and deployment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The small-volume airbag is designed to deploy to its set position above the console before the main restraint function of the large-volume airbag is fully engaged. The communication opening allows gas flow that enables this preliminary deployment of the support function, ensuring the small-volume airbag reaches its predetermined position regardless of the large-volume airbag's final deployment state in the narrow space.
3Strength
If the far-side airbag is allowed to contact the console for lateral support, then the airbag receives structural support, but the airbag may collapse to the console side during restraint
Solution Approach 1:
The small-volume airbag acts as an intermediary element positioned between the large-volume airbag and the console. It receives lateral support from the console through its firm deployment above the console surface, while simultaneously supporting the large-volume airbag from the console side. This intermediary structure prevents the large-volume airbag from collapsing to the console side during restraint while maintaining the beneficial lateral support contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The small-volume airbag deploys preliminarily to a position above the console, establishing a stable support structure before the large-volume airbag engages in the restraint function. This preliminary deployment of the support element ensures that when the large-volume airbag contacts the console for lateral support, there is already a stable intermediate structure in place to prevent collapse, thus maintaining both strength and stability.
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 system effectively restricts the far-side airbag from moving inward in the vehicle width direction by ensuring the sub bag is firmly supported by the console, allowing the main bag to provide adequate protection to the occupant, thereby enhancing occupant protection performance.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator that is provided in the vehicle seat and discharges a gas when activated
Implementation Method 2
the gas supplied to the sub bag is supplied to the main bag via the communication opening
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle occupant restraint, a sub bag is inflated and deployed in an early stage at a high pressure prior to a main bag as a gas that is discharged from an inflator to the sub bag is supplied to the main bag via a communication opening. Accordingly, a lower section of the sub bag can favorably be interposed in a narrow space between a waist of a occupant and a console box. In addition, an upper section of the sub bag is supported by a top surface of the console box, and this the sub bag is firmly supported by the console box. Therefore, the main bag is supported to a same degree as when the console box is extended upward by a height of the sub bag.