Movable Airbag Positioning for Non-Standard Seating Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard airbags in vehicles may not provide adequate protection for passengers seated in non-standard positions, as they often fall outside the protection range of the airbag, increasing the risk of injury during collisions.
Innovation Solution
An airbag extension system comprising a positioning unit and an airbag package, where the positioning unit, equipped with linear actuators, telescoping rails, hinges, or pyrotechnic lifters, adjusts the airbag's position to ensure it deploys within the passenger's protection range, regardless of their seating configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard airbags are used in vehicles, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but passengers seated in non-standard positions fall outside the protection range and suffer increased injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system incorporates movable positioning units that can dynamically adjust the airbag's position along the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The positioning unit includes a rail system with movable carriages that can shift the airbag package forward or backward to match passenger seating positions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different seating configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system is divided into separate functional modules: the airbag package, the positioning unit with rail and carriage, and the control system. This segmentation allows the airbag to be independently positioned without redesigning the entire system, enabling adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag position is fixed, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot accommodate passengers in non-standard seating positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect passenger seating positions and autonomously controls the positioning unit to adjust the airbag location. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex user operations, maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability to different seating configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on passenger seating positions to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the airbag position through the positioning unit, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to seating conditions without requiring complex user input or operation.
3Reliability
If the airbag is positioned far from the passenger, then the airbag structure can be simplified, but the protection effectiveness decreases for passengers in non-standard positions
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed mounting structure and the airbag package. It includes a rail system with movable carriages that can shift the airbag forward or backward, allowing the airbag to reach passengers in non-standard positions without requiring an overly complex overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning unit incorporates movable components that can dynamically adjust the airbag's longitudinal position. This dynamic capability ensures the airbag maintains optimal distance from passengers regardless of seating position, improving protection effectiveness without requiring the airbag structure itself to be overly complex.
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 airbag extension system effectively reduces the risk of injury to passengers in non-standard seating positions by ensuring the airbag deploys within the necessary protection range, thereby minimizing acceleration forces and potential damage during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning unit includes one or more pyrotechnic lifters and the pyrotechnic lifters are configured to position the airbag package into the protection range
Implementation Method 2
the positioning unit includes one or more linear actuators and the linear actuators position the airbag package
Implementation Method 3
the positioning unit includes one or more telescoping rails, wherein each of the one or more telescoping rails includes two or more stages
Implementation Method 4
the one or more telescoping rails are configured to be extended by one or more springs, actuators, or compressed gas
Implementation Method 5
the one or more telescoping rails are configured to be extended by one or more springs, actuators, or compressed gas
Implementation Method 6
the positioning unit includes one or more hinges and the hinges are configured to rotate the airbag package into the protection range
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to reducing the likelihood of injury to a passenger in a collision. In one example, a computing device may determine that an impact between a vehicle and an object external to the vehicle is imminent. The computing device may determine a protection range for a vehicle's airbag based on characteristics of the passenger, including the passenger's seating location within the vehicle. An airbag extension system may position an airbag package, including the vehicle's airbag, such that the vehicle's airbag is within the protection range of the passenger's seating location.