Multi-wrap Airbag Sequential Deployment Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag deployment technologies fail to effectively reduce punch-out forces and prevent neck injuries, which are critical for meeting motor vehicle safety standards.
Innovation Solution
The method involves compressing and securing multiple portions of the airbag cushion with wraps that are configured to separate sequentially upon inflation, using weakened seams or materials to control the deployment sequence, ensuring desired kinematics and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wrap is used to secure the airbag cushion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control deployment sequence and reduce punch-out forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single wrap is divided into multiple sequential wraps (first wrap, second wrap, third wrap) that separate at different stages during deployment. This segmentation allows control over the deployment sequence, enabling the airbag to expand in a controlled manner that reduces punch-out forces while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wraps are pre-configured with weakened portions at specific locations before deployment. These pre-positioned weak points ensure that the wraps separate in the desired sequence when deployed, allowing predictable control over the expansion phases without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the wrap separates simultaneously upon inflation, then the deployment is simple, but the punch-out forces and chest deflection are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap structure is segmented into multiple wraps with different separation characteristics. The first wrap separates at a first location, the second wrap at a second location, and the third wrap at a third location, creating distinct separation phases. This segmentation transforms the harmful simultaneous separation into beneficial sequential separation, reducing peak forces on the occupant.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the wrap system have different separation properties. Each wrap is designed with specific weakened portions at specific locations that determine when and where it will separate. This local differentiation in separation characteristics allows control over the deployment sequence to minimize punch-out forces.
3Reliability
If multiple wraps with sequential separation are used, then the deployment kinematics and performance are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wraps are pre-assembled in the correct sequential arrangement during manufacturing, with weakened portions positioned at predetermined locations. This preliminary configuration ensures that during deployment, the wraps will separate in the intended sequence (first wrap, then second wrap, then third wrap), achieving reliable deployment performance while simplifying the manufacturing process through pre-positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and systems for packing or deploying airbag cushions, such as driver side airbag cushions, to improve unfolding kinematics and/or otherwise improve performance. In some implementations of methods for packing an airbag cushion, a first portion of an airbag cushion may be compressed and then secured in a compressed configuration using a first wrap. A second portion of the airbag cushion may then be compressed and secured in a second compressed configuration using a second wrap. The resulting airbag cushion assembly may be configured to separate the wraps sequentially, rather than simultaneously, during inflation of the airbag cushion.