Multi-Chamber Dash-Mounted Airbag for Occupant Kinematics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag systems in vehicles primarily focus on single-point protection, lacking a comprehensive solution to manage the kinematics of multiple body regions simultaneously during impacts, especially in autonomous vehicles without a steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
The airbag assembly includes a knee chamber, chest chamber, and head chamber, each connected through fluid pathways and supported by the dash, with different pressures and vents, and external tethers to distribute inflation medium effectively, providing simultaneous protection for occupant kinematics across multiple body regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single airbag chamber is used for protection, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to control occupant kinematics across multiple body regions simultaneously is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple independent chambers (head chamber, chest chamber, knee chamber) that can be independently controlled. Each chamber is connected to the inflator through separate fluid pathways with individual venting mechanisms, allowing independent pressure control for different body regions during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system incorporates dynamic pressure control through adjustable venting mechanisms in each chamber. The vent size and opening pressure can be varied to dynamically adjust the inflation and deflation characteristics of each chamber, enabling adaptive response to different impact scenarios and occupant positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple airbag chambers with different pressures are used, then the control of occupant kinematics is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each airbag chamber is designed with locally optimized characteristics including chamber-specific vent sizes, connection geometries, and reinforcement patterns. The head chamber, chest chamber, and knee chamber each have tailored structural properties to achieve their specific pressure and deformation requirements, rather than using a uniform design throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different pressure levels in various chambers by changing key parameters such as vent size, vent opening pressure, chamber volume, and connection restrictor characteristics. These parameter variations allow each chamber to be tuned for its specific protective function while maintaining manufacturability through standardized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag is supported on the dash without a steering wheel, then it is suitable for autonomous vehicles, but the stability of the airbag position during inflation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is segmented into multiple chambers with different support arrangements. The head chamber is supported by the dash, the chest chamber is supported by the head chamber, and the knee chamber is supported by the chest chamber. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimally positioned and supported for its specific function while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag incorporates reinforcement elements and tether systems that provide structural stability during inflation. The composite structure of the airbag material, combined with external tethers and internal reinforcement, ensures the airbag maintains its intended position and shape when deployed from a dash-mounted configuration without a steering wheel.
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
This configuration allows for enhanced control of occupant kinematics during impacts by distributing inflation medium efficiently across the knee, chest, and head areas, providing improved safety in autonomous vehicles by managing multiple body regions simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator supported by the dash and being connected directly to the knee chamber
Implementation Method 2
The knee chamber, the chest chamber, and the head chamber may each have a pressure in a fully inflated position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a vehicle includes a dash. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the dash and being inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag includes a knee chamber, a chest chamber supported by the knee chamber in the inflated position, and a head chamber supported by the chest chamber in the inflated position. The chest chamber is connected to the knee chamber at a lower seam that defines a lower fluid pathway. The head chamber is connected to the chest chamber at an upper seam that defines an upper fluid pathway. The assembly includes an inflator supported by the dash and being connected directly to the knee chamber.