Gas-Fillable Vehicle Support for Side-Impact Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles with small or no instrument panels have reduced rigidity in the event of a side-on crash, compromising occupant safety while aiming to provide more space.
Innovation Solution
A gas-fillable support means is integrated into the vehicle body, secured across the transverse direction, and connected to a gas generator that inflates in the event of an accident, increasing rigidity by expanding and providing mechanical strength between key structural components like A-pillars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the instrument panel is reduced or removed to provide more space for occupants, then the available space increases, but the vehicle rigidity decreases in the event of a side-on crash
Solution Approach 1:
The support means transitions from a compact first state during normal driving to an expanded second state during a side-on crash. The gas generator rapidly inflates the support means, causing it to extend between the A-pillars and abut against them, dynamically increasing vehicle rigidity only when needed for occupant safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means changes its physical parameters (volume, length, mechanical strength) through gas inflation. In the first state, it has a small volume and minimal strength. Upon activation, the gas generator increases its volume and mechanical strength, enabling it to effectively reinforce the vehicle structure during a crash.
2Strength
If a rigid support structure is permanently installed to increase vehicle rigidity, then the vehicle rigidity improves, but the available space for occupants decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than a permanent rigid structure, the invention employs a dynamic support means that remains compact during normal driving and only expands to provide structural reinforcement during a side-on crash. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for permanent space-consuming rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means utilizes a gas generator to rapidly inflate and expand the support structure. This pneumatic mechanism allows the support means to achieve its load-bearing configuration on demand without requiring permanent installation of bulky rigid components that would reduce occupant space.
3Strength
If the support means is inflated to increase mechanical strength, then the load absorption capacity increases, but the space occupied by the support means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support means maintains a compact first volume during normal driving operations. Upon detection of a side-on crash, the gas generator rapidly inflates the support means to a larger second volume, providing the necessary mechanical strength and load absorption capacity only when required for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means undergoes a parameter change in volume and mechanical strength through gas inflation. This transformation enables it to transition from a space-efficient state during normal driving to a high-strength, space-occupying state during a crash, when the additional space is justified by the safety benefits.
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 gas-fillable support enhances the vehicle's rigidity and load absorption during accidents while minimizing space usage when not deployed, offering a temporary and specific safety enhancement without occupying space during normal driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The gas-fillable support means (50) is operationally connected to at least one gas generator (55). The gas generator may be constructed as a pyrotechnic gas generator, cold gas generator or hybrid gas generator.
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical strength of the support means in the second operating state—brought about by the gas volume which is produced by means of the gas generator—is greater than in the first operating state.
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus includes a gas-fillable support that is connectable to a gas generator. The gas-fillable support is securable to a body of a motor vehicle and has a first operating state which exists before the gas generator is activated and which has a first volume. The gas-fillable support has a second operating state which exists after the gas generator is activated and which has a second volume which is greater than the first volume. The gas-fillable support in the second operating state is contactable against a first portion which is operationally connected to the body and is contactable against a second portion which is operationally connected to the body and which is remote from the first end portion. A first mechanical strength of the gas-fillable support in the first operating state is less than a second mechanical strength of the gas-fillable support in the second operating state.