Movable Side Airbag Assembly for Occupant Kinematics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbag systems in vehicles often rely on fixed positions and reaction surfaces, which may not effectively control occupant kinematics during impacts, especially when other components like center consoles are present, limiting the airbag's coverage and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A restraint system featuring a linear guide and pyrotechnic actuator that moves an airbag from an undeployed to a deployed position, with external tethers providing a reaction surface, allowing the airbag to extend and cover occupants regardless of adjacent components, utilizing a processor to actuate the system upon impact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If airbags are mounted at fixed positions in the vehicle, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the airbag coverage and effectiveness are limited when other components like center consoles are present
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag assembly is mounted on a movable seat rather than at a fixed position, allowing it to dynamically adjust its location along the vehicle's longitudinal axis. This dynamic positioning enables the airbag to maintain optimal coverage of the occupant regardless of the presence of center consoles or other interior components, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If airbags rely on fixed reaction surfaces in the vehicle, then the system is simple, but the ability to control occupant kinematics is insufficient during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system incorporates a movable seat with adjustment mechanisms that allow the airbag assembly to dynamically reposition itself during deployment. This dynamic capability enables the airbag to create an optimal reaction surface for controlling occupant kinematics during impacts, improving reliability without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system is divided into separable components including the movable seat, airbag assembly, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the airbag to be independently positioned and adjusted relative to the occupant, enabling precise control of occupant kinematics while maintaining overall system manageability.
3Reliability
If the airbag is positioned to cover the occupant, then safety effectiveness is improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable seat serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting platform for the airbag assembly, enables longitudinal adjustment for optimal positioning, and facilitates proper airbag deployment orientation. This multi-functionality improves safety effectiveness while avoiding the need for separate complex mounting structures, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
Enhances the airbag's ability to control occupant kinematics by ensuring coverage and reaction surface provision, regardless of adjacent components, thereby improving safety during vehicle impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic actuator supported by the seat and engaged with the lifter. The pyrotechnic actuator may be positioned to move the lifter upwardly relative to the seat from an undeployed position to a deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint system includes a seat and a linear guide adjacent the seat. The linear guide has a base fixed relative to the seat and a lifter moveable relative to the base. An airbag has a mounting connection. The mounting connection is supported by and fixed to the lifter of the linear guide.