Inflatable Head Restraint System for Vehicle Seats
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head restraint systems in vehicles do not effectively restrain the movement of the head and neck without a seatbelt, occupy significant space when not in use, and require buckling up for functionality.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable head restraint system comprising an airbag housed behind the user's head or nape, which can be activated by a collision detection system to restrain head movement and protect against impacts, with optional straps or fabrics for enhanced support and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional head restraint systems are used, then head support is provided, but they occupy significant space and cannot effectively restrain head movement without a seatbelt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable airbag as the core restraint mechanism. The airbag remains compact when deflated, occupying minimal space in the housing, but inflates rapidly during a collision to provide effective head and neck restraint. This pneumatic approach resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to transition from a space-efficient state to a high-performance restraint state.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint system transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic inflatable structure. The airbag's volume and rigidity change dynamically based on collision detection, allowing the system to occupy minimal space during normal operation and expand to provide comprehensive head support only when needed.
2Ease of operation
If conventional seatbelt systems are used, then body restraint is achieved, but they require buckling up and do not restrain head movement
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable head restraint system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. Upon collision detection, the system automatically inflates the airbag to restrain head movement, eliminating the need for users to buckle up or perform any actions. This self-activating mechanism simultaneously improves ease of operation and provides reliable head restraint capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the head restraint function in advance by maintaining a compact airbag ready for rapid inflation. Unlike seatbelts that require active engagement, this system has the restraint capability pre-positioned and can activate immediately upon collision detection, providing preliminary protection before head injury can occur.
3Reliability
If airbag is deployed to enclose head, then head movement is restrained, but space is occupied during inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag operates in distinct periodic states: a prolonged deflated state occupying minimal space, and a brief inflated state providing head protection only during and immediately after collision. This periodic operation resolves the space-volume contradiction by limiting the high-volume state to the specific time period when head protection is actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflated airbag is contained within a housing structure during the deflated state, with the airbag nested inside the housing. Upon activation, the airbag expands from its nested position to enclose the head, then returns to the nested state. This nesting arrangement allows the system to occupy minimal space during normal operation while providing comprehensive head protection when required.
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 provides effective head and neck restraint without a seatbelt, occupies minimal space when not in use, and can be easily integrated into vehicle seats or used as a retrofit, reducing the risk of head injuries in collisions.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable airbag, and a housing for storing the airbag in a packed condition... The airbag comprises a portion adapted to at least partly enclose the head, when the airbag is in an inflated state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an inflatable head restraint system (3, 3') comprising - an inflatable airbag (23, 23'), and - a housing (5) for storing the airbag (23, 23') in a packed condition, The housing (5) is adapted to be located behind the back of a head (21) and/or a nape (30) of a user of the inflatable head restraint system (3, 3'), and the airbag (23, 23') comprises a portion (27, 37) adapted to at least partly enclose the head, when the airbag (23, 23') is in an inflated state, thereby restraining movement of the head (21) in a direction away from the housing (5). The disclosure further relates to a vehicle seat (1, 15, 15', 15") comprising such an inflatable head restraint system (3, 3'), a kit comprising the inflatable head restraint system (3, 3') and a transmitter (49), a vehicle (45) as well as a method for activating inflation of the airbag of the inflatable head restraint system.