Omnidirectional Airbag Deployment for Passenger Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger protection systems, such as airbags, are limited in their ability to effectively protect passengers from collisions occurring in various directions due to high costs and the need for multiple airbag configurations, and they require precise positioning to ensure reliable protection.
Innovation Solution
A passenger protection apparatus comprising an inflator and an airbag that deploys to surround the passenger's sitting position, with one end supported on the vehicle's ceiling and the other end contacting an in-vehicle member, using airbag hooks and tethers to ensure secure deployment and positioning, allowing for effective protection in various collision scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple airbag configurations are used to protect passengers from collisions in various directions, then passenger protection coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal airbag system that can protect against collisions from multiple directions (front, side, rear) using a single deployable structure. The airbag is configured to expand in multiple directions simultaneously, providing omnidirectional protection without requiring separate airbag systems for each collision type, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple airbag configurations are used to protect passengers from collisions in various directions, then passenger protection coverage is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple airbag functions into a single integrated airbag structure that can deploy in various directions. By combining what would traditionally require multiple separate airbag systems into one unified device, the invention reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies installation, and lowers overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to protect against collisions from front, side, and rear directions
3Reliability
If airbag positioning is made precise to ensure reliable protection, then protection reliability is improved, but installation and adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the airbag to be installed at various locations along the vehicle interior surface while maintaining reliable protection. The system achieves equipotential protection by enabling the airbag to be positioned at different heights and locations without compromising its protective function, thereby simplifying installation while ensuring consistent reliability across different installation scenarios
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 apparatus provides enhanced passenger protection by deploying an airbag that can absorb impact in any direction, improving the passenger protection function by ensuring the airbag is securely held in place and covering the necessary area, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator configured to supply gas, and an airbag configured to deploy to surround a sitting position of a passenger by the gas supplied from the inflator
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger protection apparatus includes an inflator and an airbag. The inflator is configured to supply gas. The airbag is configured to deploy to surround a sitting position of a passenger by the gas supplied from the inflator. One end of the airbag is supported on an upper portion of a vehicle, and the other end of the airbag contacts an in-vehicle member and is supported by the in-vehicle member.