Knee Airbag Folding Method for Symmetrical Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for folding knee airbag cushions are inefficient, leading to reduced productivity and potential distortion or swaying of the airbag during deployment due to manual operation and eccentric inflator outlets.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involves folding both sides of the airbag cushion multiple times, forming a roll folding part, and fixing the folded portions to prevent distortion, with a cushion cover connected to the inflator to ensure symmetrical deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual folding operation is used, then the airbag cushion can be folded, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cushion is divided into multiple folding sections (first folding section, second folding section, third folding section) that can be folded independently. This segmentation allows automated folding machines to process different sections separately, enabling automation while maintaining folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag cushion is pre-formed with specific folding structures (zigzag folds, parallel folds) before final assembly. These preliminary folding actions create predetermined fold lines and sections that facilitate subsequent automated folding operations and ensure consistent folding results.
2Ease of manufacture
If inflator outlet is eccentrically connected to one side, then the airbag cushion can be assembled, but the airbag cushion may be distorted or swayed during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cushion employs asymmetric folding structures where the first folding section has zigzag folds on one side and parallel folds on the other side. This asymmetric design compensates for the eccentric inflator outlet position, balancing the structural distribution and preventing distortion during deployment while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different folding patterns (zigzag vs. parallel) are applied to different local sections of the airbag cushion based on their specific functional requirements. The zigzag folding section provides flexibility and shock absorption, while the parallel folding section provides structural stability, creating local quality variations that optimize both assembly and deployment performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for folding a knee airbag may include: folding both sides of an airbag cushion a plurality of times, and fixing the folded portion of the airbag cushion; forming a roll folding part by rolling one side of the airbag cushion of which both sides are folded a plurality of times; and folding the other side of the airbag cushion toward the roll folding part, with the roll folding part formed at the one side of the airbag cushion, and fixing the other side of the airbag cushion.