Vehicle Occupant Protection Control Device for Facing Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle occupant protection devices do not operate appropriately based on the seat state, leading to inefficient protection during vehicle collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle occupant protection control device that includes a seat state detector and a controller to manage side airbags, opening them strategically based on the relative positions of seats and predicted impacts to prevent occupant separation and ensure effective protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If side airbags are opened in all collision scenarios, then occupant protection is improved, but unnecessary airbag openings increase causing waste and potential harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the airbag opening decision specific to each seat's orientation and collision scenario. The control device determines whether to open side airbags based on the individual seat facing direction (front, rear, left, right) and the specific collision type, rather than applying a uniform opening policy to all seats. This localized decision-making ensures airbags are opened only where and when needed for each occupant's protection.
2Reliability
If side airbags are opened based on seat orientation detection, then protection appropriateness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a multi-functional seat state detection system that serves multiple purposes. The detection device not only determines seat facing direction for airbag control decisions but also provides information about seat occupancy and orientation status. This single detection system performs multiple functions (detecting seat direction, occupancy, and position) rather than requiring separate systems for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If side airbags are opened for facing seats during impact, then occupant separation is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively opening only the specific side airbags needed for each collision scenario and seat orientation, rather than opening all airbags simultaneously. For example, in a rear collision with facing seats, only the rear-facing side airbags are opened to prevent occupant separation, while front airbags remain closed. This partial opening strategy reduces energy consumption compared to opening all airbags, while still providing adequate protection for the affected occupants.
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 allows for appropriate operation of vehicle occupant protection devices, suppressing occupant separation and enhancing protection by opening airbags in optimal positions and reducing unnecessary openings during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a side airbag including a bag body that opens on a side in a width direction of the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle occupant protection control device includes: a seat state detector configured to detect directions of first and second seats inside a vehicle; and a vehicle occupant protection controller configured to open at least one of a first bag body that is opened on a first side in a width direction of the first seat and a second bag body that is opened on a second side diagonal to the first side in a width direction of the second seat in a state in which the first seat faces the second seat when the seat state detector detects that the first seat faces the second seat and an impact on the vehicle is detected or predicted. A first vehicle occupant sitting on the first seat is pressed on the second side in accordance with the opening of the first bag body or a second vehicle occupant sitting on the second seat is pressed on the first side in accordance with the opening of the second bag body.