Knee Airbag Panel Deployment for Occupant Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in the profile of the lower portions of the instrument panel in vehicles compromises the restraining performance for the lower body of vehicle occupants during collision events, as the airbag deployment distance increases and the structural integrity of the airbag system is compromised.
Innovation Solution
An airbag system that deploys a panel to create a support surface from the instrument panel, allowing a restraining airbag to be positioned closer to the occupant, supported by the panel, which is then deployed between the support surface and the lower body of the occupant, maintaining structural integrity and minimizing the size of the airbag and inflators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the profile of the lower portions of the instrument panel is reduced to provide more room for the lower body of vehicle occupants, then interior space is increased, but restraining performance during collision events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel is segmented into a movable panel portion and a fixed base portion. The movable panel can be deployed from a retracted position (providing interior space) to an extended position (providing restraining surface), allowing the system to switch between space-saving and safety-providing modes based on collision detection
Solution Approach 2:
The panel transitions from a static, fixed-position design to a dynamic, movable design. The panel can move between retracted and extended positions along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, enabling it to adapt its position to simultaneously provide interior space during normal operation and restraining support during collision events
2Volume of moving object
If the panel is moved further from the lower body of the occupant to provide more interior space, then interior space is increased, but the airbag deployment distance increases requiring larger airbags and inflators
Solution Approach 1:
The movable panel is deployed in advance of the collision impact to create the restraining support surface at the optimal position closer to the occupant's lower body. This preliminary deployment ensures that when the airbag deploys, the support surface is already in place to provide effective restraint, eliminating the need for oversized airbags that would be required if the panel remained in a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag system for restraining a lower body of a vehicle occupant during a collision event and a method for deploying the same are disclosed. The airbag system includes a panel and a restraining airbag. The panel defines a support surface that is adapted to be deployed from a first configuration to a second configuration responsive to the collision event. In the first configuration, the panel forms part of an instrument panel of a vehicle and, in the second configuration, the panel is at least partially separated from the instrument panel of the vehicle. The restraining airbag is adapted to be deployed adjacent to the support surface of the panel between the support surface and the lower body of the vehicle occupant responsive to the collision event.