Head-Protecting Airbag Cushion With Sequential Chamber Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag devices struggle to effectively protect an occupant's head from all sides, including the front and opposite side, due to limitations in their design and deployment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The airbag device features a head protecting cushion with multiple interconnected chambers that deploy in a staged manner to surround the occupant's head from various angles, including one side, the front, and the opposite side, using an inflator to supply inflation gas and a unique venting system to manage deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single airbag chamber is used to protect the occupant's head, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot protect the head from all sides (front, opposite side, and lateral sides)
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag device is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber for lateral protection, second chamber for front protection, third chamber for opposite side protection) that can deploy separately to cover different areas of the occupant's head, transforming a single-coverage device into a multi-coverage system
Solution Approach 2:
The third chamber is tucked inside the second chamber through the second vent hole, and the fourth chamber is tucked inside the third chamber through the first vent hole, creating a nested configuration that allows sequential deployment while maintaining a compact stowed profile
2Speed
If all chambers deploy simultaneously, then the protection is provided quickly, but the airbag may interfere with the occupant's head during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The chambers are arranged and tucked in a specific sequence (third chamber inside second, fourth chamber inside third) so that they deploy in a controlled sequence rather than simultaneously, allowing the airbag to expand away from the occupant's head before making contact
Solution Approach 2:
The vent holes serve as intermediary passages that control the inflation gas flow between chambers, enabling sequential deployment where gas flows from the first chamber through the second vent hole to the third chamber, and then through the first vent hole to the fourth chamber
3Reliability
If the airbag uses steering wheel or instrument panel as reaction surface, then the deployment force is sufficient, but the device cannot provide stable performance independent of seat position
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag device is designed to function independently without relying on external structures like steering wheels or instrument panels, using its own internal chamber configuration and inflation system to provide consistent protection across various seat positions and vehicle configurations
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
This design ensures reliable head restraint regardless of seat position or reclining angle, providing stable and controlled deployment without interference with the occupant's head, and allowing for precise control of the deployed shape of the airbag.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator that supplies inflation gas to the airbag
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag device comprises: an airbag including a head-protecting cushion that protects the head of an occupant by being deployed from an upper portion on the left or right side of a vehicle seat; and an inflator that supplies an inflation gas to the airbag. The head-protecting cushion comprises: a first chamber that protects an area near one side of the head of the occupant; a second chamber connected to the first chamber and which protects the front of the head of the occupant; a third chamber connected to the second chamber and which is deployed to span from the front of the head of the occupant to the other side of the head of the occupant; and a fourth chamber connected to the third chamber and which is deployed in an area near the other side of the head of the occupant.