Knee Airbag External Tether Dual-Mode Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of autonomous driving vehicles poses challenges for knee airbags, as occupants may be seated further away and in a more reclined position, leading to insufficient deployment configurations for effective protection during collisions, necessitating a solution that provides dual-mode protection for both manual and autonomous driving scenarios while maintaining low complexity and occupying limited space.
Innovation Solution
A knee airbag arrangement featuring an inflatable airbag with an external tether that allows for two deployment modes, with the tether controlling the airbag's depth to adapt its shape and location, enabling early interaction with the knee/shin region in both manual and autonomous driving positions, using a multi-chamber design and selective tether release mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle seat adjustable range is increased rearwards for autonomous driving mode, then occupant comfort and flexibility are improved, but the deployment configuration of existing knee airbags becomes insufficient for achieving early interaction with the knee/shin region
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a fixed deployment configuration to a dynamic dual-mode deployment system. The airbag can adapt its deployment characteristics between a first mode (for manual driving with shorter distance) and a second mode (for autonomous driving with longer distance), allowing the system to respond dynamically to different seating positions while maintaining protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deployment parameters of the airbag by introducing a depth parameter that varies between two deployment modes. The airbag depth is controlled to be greater in the second deployment mode to compensate for the increased distance when the seat is positioned rearwards for autonomous driving, ensuring the airbag reaches the knee/shin region effectively
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-mode airbag deployment system is implemented to protect both manual and autonomous driving positions, then protection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both the first deployment mode (for manual driving) and the second deployment mode (for autonomous driving) using the same physical airbag structure. This universal design allows one airbag to serve multiple protection purposes without requiring separate airbag systems for each driving mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the airbag with the capability to deploy in two different modes, with the deployment characteristics predetermined by the airbag's structural design and control system. This preliminary preparation allows the airbag to automatically adapt to the appropriate deployment mode based on the driving condition, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments
3Length of stationary object
If the airbag depth is increased for rearward seating positions, then early interaction with knee/shin region is achieved, but packing volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is designed with a nested or folded structure when not in use, allowing it to occupy minimal packing space. The airbag can be stored in a compressed or rolled configuration within the instrument panel, and only expands to the required depth when deployed. This nesting principle allows the airbag to have a large deployed depth for rearward seating positions while maintaining a compact storage volume
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 dual-mode knee airbag arrangement provides enhanced protection for occupants in both manual and autonomous driving positions by increasing the airbag's depth, ensuring effective interaction with the knee/shin region, even when the occupant is seated further rearward, while maintaining a compact design and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable airbag (6) being adapted to be inflated to a position between an instrument panel (8) of the vehicle and a knee/shin region (14) of a vehicle occupant
Implementation Method 2
The external tether (7) controls deployment of the airbag (6) to the second deployment mode. The depth of the airbag (6) in the second deployment mode is greater than a depth of the knee airbag in the first deployment mode
Data Source
AI summary
A knee airbag arrangement for a vehicle. The knee airbag arrangement includes an inflatable airbag and an external tether. The airbag is adapted to be inflated to a position between an instrument panel of the vehicle and a knee/shin region of a vehicle occupant. The knee airbag is adapted to form a first deployment mode or a second deployment mode when in a deployed state. The external tether controls deployment of the airbag to the second deployment mode. The depth (D2) of the airbag in the second deployment mode is greater than a depth (D1) of the knee airbag in the first deployment mode. A depth of the airbag in a deployed state is a greatest extent of the airbag perpendicular to the instrument panel in the knee/shin region.