Inflatable Instrument Panel Cover Segments for Oblique Collision Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle safety systems do not adequately address the risk of occupant movement towards the center of the vehicle during oblique collisions, where traditional airbags and seatbelts may be insufficient in providing protection.

Innovation Solution

Inflatable protection mechanisms integrated into the vehicle instrument panel, deployable under computer control in response to specific impact events, providing additional collision mitigation by extending cover segments away from the panel surface to intercept occupants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional airbags and seatbelts are used, then basic occupant protection is provided, but protection during oblique collisions where occupants move towards the center is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant protectionVSAvoidprotection coverage for different collision types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument panel is divided into multiple inflatable cover segments (center portion, first auxiliary portion, second auxiliary portion) that can deploy independently. Each segment targets specific occupant movement paths during different collision types, providing segmented protection zones that collectively cover the entire front cabin area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection system extends from the traditional two-dimensional airbag deployment plane by adding inflatable portions that protrude forward from the instrument panel into the cabin space. This creates a three-dimensional protection volume that intercepts occupants in their path of movement during oblique collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If inflatable cover segments are deployed away from the panel surface, then collision mitigation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision mitigationVSAvoidinstrument panel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable cover segments are nested within the instrument panel structure during normal operation, with the inflatable portions contained within housings or recesses. Upon deployment, they expand outward from the panel surface. This nesting approach minimizes space requirements and maintains a clean aesthetic appearance while enabling effective collision mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover segments utilize flexible inflatable membranes that can be stored in a compact state within the instrument panel and rapidly deployed when needed. These thin-film structures provide effective collision mitigation while occupying minimal space in the normal vehicle configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inflatable portions are added to cover different collision scenarios, then protection versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision scenario coverageVSAvoidinstrument panel assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument panel integrates multiple inflatable cover segments (center and auxiliary portions) that collectively address various collision scenarios including frontal, oblique, and side impacts. Each inflatable portion is designed to deploy in response to specific impact patterns, providing multi-functional protection from a single integrated panel assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances passenger safety by deploying inflatable cover segments to intercept occupants in the expected path of movement during oblique collisions, complementing existing safety features like airbags and seatbelts.

Implementation Method 1

deployable under computer control in response to specific impact events, providing additional collision mitigation by extending cover segments away from the panel surface through inflation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9150180B1Inflatable protection mechanisms for vehicle instrument panel

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An apparatus includes first and second cover segments adjacent one another and collectively defining a surface of an instrument panel for a vehicle in an installed position of the first cover segment and a support member spaced away from the first cover segment opposite the surface. The apparatus further includes a sidewall body extending between the first cover segment and the support member and enclosing a first volume therein and an inflator fluidly coupled to the first volume. When the inflator expands the first volume, the sidewall body extends away from the support member and respectively displaces the first cover segment to a deployed position away from the second cover segment.