Front Pillar Trim Segmentation for Curtain Airbag Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing front pillar trim structures are often destroyed during the deployment of curtain airbags due to the higher expansion velocity of the airbag at the head lining area, which hinders effective deployment and poses a risk to passenger safety, especially in lateral collisions.

Innovation Solution

A front pillar trim structure comprising an inner pillar panel with ridges, a handle, and a cover plate made of soft materials like poly vinyl chloride, allowing the handle to be fixed and the front pillar trim to be separated from the head lining by the expansion force of the curtain airbag, ensuring the airbag can deploy effectively without damaging the trim.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handle is mounted on the front pillar trim to assist passengers when entering or exiting the vehicle, then passenger convenience is improved, but the front pillar trim cannot be moved or separated from associated parts during airbag deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger convenienceVSAvoidairbag deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The front pillar trim is divided into multiple parts: a fixed portion attached to the inner pillar panel and a movable portion that can separate during airbag deployment. The handle is mounted on the fixed portion, maintaining passenger assistance functionality, while the movable portion allows airbag expansion without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A separation structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the handle-mounted fixed portion and the movable portion. This separation structure enables the movable portion to detach and move away during airbag deployment, resolving the conflict between handle functionality and airbag deployment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the head lining is deformed first during curtain airbag deployment, then the airbag can expand into the cabin, but the front pillar trim is destroyed by the expansion force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairbag deployment speedVSAvoidfront pillar trim integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The front pillar trim is segmented into fixed and movable portions. The movable portion is designed to separate during deployment, allowing the airbag expansion force to act on it without transmitting destructive forces to the fixed portion and overall trim structure, thus maintaining trim integrity while enabling rapid deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion force that would normally destroy the front pillar trim is converted into a beneficial force that drives the separation of the movable portion. This allows the high expansion velocity needed for rapid airbag deployment while protecting the main trim structure from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If the front pillar trim is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then trim strength is improved, but the trim cannot be separated during airbag deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront pillar trim integrityVSAvoiddeployment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The front pillar trim is divided into a rigid fixed portion that maintains structural integrity and a movable portion that can separate during deployment. The fixed portion includes the handle mounting area and remains strong, while the movable portion provides the necessary flexibility for airbag expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front pillar trim transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the movable portion can change its state from attached to separated. This dynamic capability allows the trim to maintain rigidity during normal use while becoming flexible during airbag deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 structure enables the curtain airbag to deploy effectively while minimizing damage to the front pillar trim, enhancing passenger safety and maintaining the functionality of the handle for passenger convenience, thereby improving the reliability of the airbag system and aesthetic appearance of the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

the microcomputer sends an electric signal to an inflator, so that a gas generating agent is burnt so as to expand the airbag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas generation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a cover plate made of soft materials like poly vinyl chloride, allowing the handle to be fixed and the front pillar trim to be separated from the head lining by the expansion force of the curtain airbag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS7611162B2Front pillar trim mounting structure for vehicles

Publication Date: 2009.11.03 KIA CORPORATION

AI summary

A front pillar trim structure for a curtain airbag in a vehicle is disclosed. In preferred configurations, the front pillar trim structure comprises a handle mounted on a front pillar trim so that a passenger can conveniently use the handle when entering or exiting a vehicle, and wherein the front pillar trim is adapted to be moved effectively by the expansion force of the curtain airbag without being destroyed when a vehicular collision occurs.