Fixed DAB Steering Column for Oblique Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional frontal restraints, such as airbag systems, fail to adequately protect vehicle occupants in oblique frontal collisions, where lateral motion causes occupants to load airbags in an unsafe manner, leading to potential injury from striking the dash panel.
Innovation Solution
A steering column system with a stationary driver-side airbag shaft and module that remains fixed within the steering wheel, decoupled from the rotating steering wheel and shaft, allowing for independent rotation and incorporating energy-absorbing components and a compressed gas system for enhanced protection during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional frontal airbag systems are used, then they work adequately in head-on collisions, but they fail to provide sufficient protection in oblique frontal collisions where occupants experience significant lateral motion
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a static, fixed-position design to a dynamic, movable design that can adjust its position and orientation. The airbag module is mounted on a movable platform (steering wheel or steering column) that can rotate and translate to track the occupant's motion during oblique collisions, ensuring the airbag remains in the optimal protective position regardless of collision angle
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the airbag module by allowing it to move independently from the vehicle structure. The airbag can adjust its lateral and longitudinal position to match the occupant's trajectory during different collision scenarios, transforming from a fixed parameter system to a variable parameter system that adapts to collision conditions
2Ease of operation
If the airbag module is fixed to the steering wheel, then it rotates with the steering wheel, but this causes the airbag to lose optimal positioning and fail to protect occupants in oblique collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the airbag mounting structure into separate functional segments: the steering wheel for steering control and the airbag module for protection. The airbag module is mounted on a movable platform that is decoupled from the steering wheel's rotation, allowing independent movement of each component to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
A movable platform or intermediate structure is introduced between the steering wheel and the airbag module. This intermediary allows the airbag to be positioned optimally for protection while the steering wheel rotates freely for steering control, mediating between the conflicting requirements of steering freedom and airbag positioning accuracy
3Ease of manufacture
If the airbag system is designed for traditional frontal impacts, then it meets regulatory testing standards, but it cannot adequately handle oblique collisions where occupants load the airbag in unsafe manners
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by positioning the airbag module on a movable platform that can preemptively adjust to counteract the lateral motion of occupants during oblique collisions. The movable mounting allows the airbag to move in opposition to the harmful lateral loading, preventing occupants from striking the dash panel and reducing unsafe loading conditions before they occur
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column system includes: a rotatable steering shaft that has a proximal end attached to a steering wheel and is configured to transfer rotational input at the steering wheel to a steering rack of the vehicle; a stationary driver-side airbag (DAB) shaft that is mounted in the vehicle and extends along the steering shaft; and a DAB module that contains an airbag and is fixedly mounted to a proximal end of the DAB shaft within a region of the steering wheel. The steering wheel and the steering shaft are configured to rotate independently of the DAB module and the DAB shaft, respectively.