Movable Airbag Post for Adaptive Occupant Kinematics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle airbag systems do not effectively control the kinematics of occupants, particularly when personal mobility devices like wheelchairs are present, during vehicle impacts, as they lack adaptive positioning and tethering mechanisms to optimize airbag deployment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system featuring a post movable along tracks, with airbags and tethers that can be strategically positioned and inflated to control occupant kinematics, utilizing pyrotechnic retractors to generate tension in tethers for enhanced support during impacts, and a computer-controlled actuator to manage the deployment of airbags and tethers based on detected mobility devices and impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed airbag systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the airbag cannot adaptively position itself to effectively control occupant kinematics during impacts, especially when personal mobility devices are present
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position along the longitudinal axis. The airbag assembly can move between a retracted position (near the front wall) and a deployed position (extending toward the rear), allowing adaptive positioning based on occupancy detection. This dynamic capability enables the system to effectively control occupant kinematics while accommodating personal mobility devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system serves multiple functions: it provides supplemental restraint for various occupant types (seated occupants, occupants on personal mobility devices), performs adaptive positioning along the longitudinal axis, and integrates with occupancy detection systems. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address diverse safety requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems for each scenario.
2Reliability
If the airbag is positioned to protect seated occupants, then seated occupant protection is optimized, but occupants on personal mobility devices may not receive adequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates occupancy detection that provides feedback about the presence and type of occupants in the protection zone. Based on this feedback, the airbag system can determine whether to deploy to a position optimized for seated occupants or adjust to provide protection for occupants on personal mobility devices. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable protection adapted to the specific occupancy scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system changes its deployment parameters (position along the longitudinal axis, inflation timing, and tether tension) based on the detected occupant type. For seated occupants, the airbag deploys to a position that controls forward motion effectively. For occupants on personal mobility devices, the system adjusts the deployment parameters to account for the different center of gravity and kinematic characteristics, ensuring reliable protection across different occupant types.
3Productivity
If the airbag deployment is fixed and not adjustable, then the deployment mechanism is simple, but the system cannot optimize airbag deployment for different impact scenarios and occupancy configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary occupancy detection and assessment before an impact occurs. Based on this preliminary information, the airbag system pre-determines the optimal deployment position and parameters for the detected occupancy configuration. This preliminary action allows the system to optimize deployment for different scenarios without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the impact event itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system automatically detects occupancy conditions and self-adjusts its deployment parameters without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The occupancy detection system and airbag control work together as an integrated self-service mechanism that optimizes deployment based on the detected scenario, balancing productivity improvement with acceptable complexity.
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 system effectively controls occupant kinematics by adaptively positioning airbags and tethers, providing enhanced protection during impacts by optimizing airbag deployment and tension, thereby improving safety for occupants with personal mobility devices.
Implementation Method 1
the retractor may include pyrotechnic material
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a floor. The vehicle includes a first track elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis and fixed to the floor. The vehicle includes a roof above the floor. The vehicle includes a second track elongated along the vehicle-longitudinal axis and fixed to the roof. The vehicle includes a post supported by and movable along the first track and the second track. The vehicle includes an airbag supported by the post and inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position.