Knee Airbag Tether Integration for Contour Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knee-protecting airbag devices have a complex configuration due to separate tethers attached to the outside of the airbag, which complicates the mounting process and does not allow for efficient control of the airbag's contour during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A knee-protecting airbag device with a tether integrated inside the mounting inflatable region, connecting the vehicle body side panel and occupant side panel, which regulates the clearance between them, preventing the airbag from inflating excessively and protruding downward, and directs inflation gas towards the knee-protection region for quick deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tether is provided separate from the airbag and attached to the outside of the airbag, then the airbag contour can be regulated during deployment, but the device configuration becomes complex and mounting work is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is integrated inside the airbag structure rather than being a separate external component. The tether is disposed inside the mounting inflatable region and joins the vehicle body side panel and occupant side panel, merging the tether function with the airbag structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate mounting of external tethers and simplifies the overall device configuration.
2Speed
If the airbag emergence opening is openable downward, then the airbag can deploy freely, but the mounting inflatable region protrudes excessively downward during initial deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The tether is pre-positioned inside the mounting inflatable region to provide preliminary constraint before full deployment occurs. The tether joins the vehicle body side panel and occupant side panel, creating a predetermined structural framework that prevents excessive downward protrusion of the mounting inflatable region during the initial stages of deployment, while still allowing the airbag to deploy quickly through the openable emergence opening.
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 device deploys the airbag quickly while controlling its contour with a simpler configuration, preventing undue protrusion and ensuring balanced inflation, thus enhancing deployment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator for feeding an inflation gas to the airbag
Implementation Method 2
a tether that is disposed inside the mounting inflatable region and joins the vehicle body side panel and occupant side panel for regulating a clearance between the vehicle body side panel and occupant side panel at airbag deployment
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag of a knee-protecting airbag device is mounted on a case together with an inflator with the aid of mounting means of the inflator. The case is provided with an airbag emergence opening at the lower end region. The airbag includes a vehicle body side panel, an occupant side panel, a mounting inflatable region which is located in a lower end region of the airbag as deployed and is secured to the case, and a knee-protecting region deployable in such a manner as to extend rearwardly and upwardly from the mounting inflatable region. The airbag further includes inside the mounting inflatable region a tether which joins the vehicle body side panel and occupant side panel for regulating a clearance between the vehicle body side panel and occupant side panel at airbag deployment.