Overhead Airbag Cushion Layout for Alternative Vehicle Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbag assemblies are inadequate in protecting occupants in alternative seating arrangements, such as campfire or living room seating, where both forward and rear-facing occupants are at risk of occupant-on-occupant impact and uncontrolled deceleration injuries during collisions.
Innovation Solution
An overhead airbag system mounted to a vehicle's roof, featuring a flexible airbag cushion with a main chamber, extension chamber, and internal tether, which deploys to cushion both the head and body of occupants, reducing impact forces and preventing rotation of the airbag to mitigate injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional airbag assemblies are used, then forward-facing occupants are protected, but both forward and rear-facing occupants are at risk of occupant-on-occupant impact and uncontrolled deceleration injuries in alternative seating arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead airbag assembly is designed to provide protection for multiple seating configurations (forward-facing, rear-facing, and alternative arrangements) through a single universal system. The airbag deploys from an overhead position to cushion both forward and rear-facing occupants, eliminating the need for separate airbag systems for different seating arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting airbags at traditional locations (steering wheel, dashboard, side curtains), the system inverts the mounting position to the overhead roof structure. This inverted positioning allows the airbag to effectively protect occupants in alternative seating arrangements by deploying from above rather than from traditional front or side positions.
2Area of stationary object
If the airbag cushion is made larger to cover more seating arrangements, then protection coverage increases, but the risk of airbag rotation and improper positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cushion is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber, fourth chamber) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows each chamber to function independently while collectively providing broad coverage, reducing the risk of rotation by distributing structural support across multiple sections rather than relying on a single large continuous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag cushion employs an asymmetric chamber arrangement where the first and second chambers are positioned at a first location and the third and fourth chambers are positioned at a second location. This asymmetric configuration, combined with specific tether attachments, prevents rotation by creating an unbalanced structural distribution that naturally orients the airbag correctly during deployment.
3Reliability
If the airbag assembly is mounted overhead to protect alternative seating arrangements, then comprehensive occupant protection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple protective functions into a single overhead airbag assembly. The housing integrates the inflator, multiple airbag chambers, and tether attachment points into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate airbag systems for different seating arrangements and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced protective capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag cushion is constructed from flexible material that allows it to conform to various occupant positions and seating arrangements. This flexibility enables the airbag to provide comprehensive protection without requiring a rigid complex structure, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining effectiveness across multiple seating configurations.
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 overhead airbag system effectively reduces injuries from occupant-on-occupant impact and body-structure collisions by providing comprehensive cushioning and stabilization during collisions in alternative seating arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
The overhead airbag cushion system includes an inflator disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the overhead airbag cushion. The inflator is configured to generate inflation gas to inflate the overhead airbag cushion in response to a collision event.
Implementation Method 2
The overhead airbag cushion further includes an internal tether extending across an interior portion of the overhead airbag cushion. The internal tether is configured to control expansion of the overhead airbag cushion during inflation of the overhead airbag cushion.
Data Source
AI summary
Overhead airbag cushions are disclosed suitable for installation to a vehicle having an alternative seating arrangement, e.g., “campfire” or “living room” style seating wherein vehicle seating positions face each other. The overhead airbag cushion deploys from above a vehicle seating position to be disposed to receive at least a head of an occupant of the vehicle seating position. A reaction surface of the overhead airbag cushion may engage a roof, a windshield, or other structure of the vehicle to limit deflection of the overhead airbag cushion during loading as the occupant impacts the overhead airbag cushion. Internal and/or external tethers may assist in positioning and supporting the overhead airbag cushion.