Movable Console Airbag Layout for Occupant Kinematics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle console assemblies do not effectively integrate airbags to control occupant kinematics during impacts, as they are not designed to move between stowed and deployed positions to position airbags relative to seats for optimal protection.
Innovation Solution
A console assembly that is movable between a stowed and deployed position, supporting airbags that inflate between the dash and seats, with a track system allowing the console to slide along the vehicle floor, and an inflator connected to the airbag for inflation during impacts, ensuring the airbag is positioned correctly to control occupant kinematics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the console is made stationary to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the airbag cannot be positioned correctly between the dash and seats during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The console is designed to be movable rather than stationary, capable of sliding between a stowed position and a deployed position along a track system. This dynamic configuration allows the airbag to be correctly positioned between the dash and seats during impacts, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and protection effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the console is moved between stowed and deployed positions to position airbags correctly, then occupant protection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to track system and moveable mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The console assembly is segmented into movable components that can slide independently along the track system. This segmentation allows the airbag-containing console to be positioned independently from other vehicle interior components, achieving accurate positioning without requiring complex integrated mechanisms throughout the entire vehicle structure.
3Reliability
If the console is positioned in the dash in stowed position, then the airbag is compact and easy to store, but the airbag cannot extend between the first seat and the dash for optimal protection
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a compact stowed configuration within the dash to an extended deployed configuration between the dash and seats. This dynamic extension allows the airbag to control occupant kinematics effectively during impacts, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and optimal protection coverage.
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 solution provides enhanced occupant protection by ensuring airbags are correctly positioned between the dash and seats during impacts, effectively controlling occupant kinematics and utilizing the dash as a reaction surface, thereby improving safety features in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
An airbag is supported by the console. The airbag is inflatable to an inflated position when the console is in the deployed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a dash. A first seat and a second seat are spaced from the dash. A console is adjacent to the dash with the console being movable from a stowed position disposed in the dash to a deployed position extending from the dash between the first seat and the second seat. An airbag is supported by the console with the airbag being inflatable to an inflated position when the console is in the deployed position.