Multi-chambered Side Airbag Assemblies for Oblique Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current frontal airbag systems face challenges in providing optimal protection during collisions, particularly in oblique and side impact scenarios, where the airbag's deployment and positioning may not effectively cushion the occupant's torso and pelvis, leading to inadequate injury mitigation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed airbag assembly features a multi-chambered side inflatable cushion with strategically positioned tethers and chambers that deploy to cover a wider area, including the seat and forward of the occupant, to provide enhanced protection by engaging the torso and pelvis, and can be installed at various locations within the vehicle, including the seat back and door structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a traditional single-chamber airbag is used, then the device complexity is low, but the protection coverage area is insufficient for oblique and side impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) with different orientations and deployment characteristics. Each chamber is designed to address specific impact scenarios, providing comprehensive protection coverage while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system transitions from a single-plane deployment to multi-dimensional coverage by incorporating chambers that deploy in different orientations (frontal, side, and oblique directions). This dimensional expansion enables the airbag to protect against multiple impact vectors simultaneously
2Reliability
If the airbag is positioned to cover wider area including seat and forward of occupant, then the protection effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple chambers and tethers
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag assembly is segmented into functionally distinct chambers and tether systems that work together to achieve comprehensive protection. The first chamber provides frontal protection, the second chamber addresses side impacts, and the third chamber handles oblique impacts, with each segment optimized for its specific protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber airbag structure employs a nested configuration where chambers are arranged in concentric or overlapping patterns, allowing compact packaging while enabling expansive deployment coverage. The tethers are integrated within the chamber structures, creating a compact nested assembly that expands to full protective coverage upon deployment
3Reliability
If the airbag chambers are strategically positioned to engage torso and pelvis, then the injury mitigation improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different chambers are designed with specific local qualities and orientations tailored to protect particular body regions. The first chamber is optimized for frontal torso protection, the second chamber for side torso and pelvis protection, and the third chamber for oblique impact protection, with each chamber's geometry and material properties customized for its specific protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag chambers and tethers are pre-positioned and pre-configured in the restrained state to ensure correct deployment geometry. The tethers are pre-tensioned and the chambers are pre-oriented to achieve optimal protective positioning automatically upon deployment, reducing the need for complex active control systems and minimizing manufacturing precision requirements during operation
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 significantly improves occupant safety by ensuring comprehensive coverage and support during collisions, particularly in oblique and side impacts, by positioning the airbag to absorb and distribute the impact forces more effectively, thereby reducing injury risk.
Implementation Method 1
The side inflatable cushion may include a first inflatable chamber, a second inflatable chamber, and a third inflatable chamber
Implementation Method 2
absorb and distribute the impact forces more effectively
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-chambered side airbag assemblies are provided. The airbag assemblies can include a housing, an inflator, and a side inflatable cushion. The side inflatable cushion can include multiple chambers, for example, a first inflatable chamber coupled to the housing, a second inflatable chamber coupled to the first inflatable chamber, and a third inflatable chamber coupled to the second inflatable chamber. The side inflatable cushion can also include a connector coupling at least two of the inflatable chambers to each other. In a deployed state, at least a portion of the side airbag may protrude transverse to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle such that a portion of the side airbag is configured to receive a vehicle occupant moving from a vehicle occupant position during a vehicle impact event.