Overlapping Airbag Module for Rear Center Seat Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear center seat occupants in vehicles have limited protection during frontal impacts when there is no airbag system in front of them, and existing airbags with constant cross-sectional areas may deflect inadequately, failing to provide sufficient resistance.
Innovation Solution
The deployment of two overlapping airbags in an airbag module, one spanning the gap between seatbacks and the other providing increased cross-sectional thickness and resistance, which are inflated simultaneously to cushion the occupant and reduce deflection during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single airbag with constant cross-sectional area is used to bridge the gap between seatbacks, then the airbag can provide basic cushioning, but it is prone to deflection and fails to provide sufficient resistance to occupant impingement
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is divided into two separate airbags (first airbag and second airbag) that overlap each other. The first airbag spans the gap between seatbacks while the second airbag provides additional thickness and resistance. This segmentation allows each airbag to have specialized functions, preventing deflection while maintaining structural integrity during impact.
2Reliability
If no airbag system is installed in front of rear center seat occupants, then the device complexity is reduced, but protection during frontal impact events is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The two airbags are positioned such that they overlap and nest within the same spatial region between the seatbacks. This nested arrangement provides enhanced protection through layered cushioning while minimizing the overall space required and avoiding excessive system complexity.
3Strength
If two overlapping airbags are deployed simultaneously, then increased resistance and cushioning are provided, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second airbags are integrated into a single airbag module that contains both airbags and a common inflator. This merging of components simplifies manufacturing and assembly, as the entire dual-airbag system can be installed as one unit rather than separately assembling multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
A single inflator is designed to inflate both the first airbag and the second airbag simultaneously, providing multi-functionality. This universal inflator design reduces the number of separate inflation systems needed, thereby simplifying the overall system and easing manufacturing requirements.
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 airbag system effectively enhances protection for rear seat center occupants by providing increased resistance and cushioning during frontal impacts, reducing trauma and ensuring better safety by controlled venting and cooperative deployment.
Implementation Method 1
two overlapping airbags... which are inflated simultaneously to cushion the occupant and reduce deflection during impacts
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag system for use in a passenger vehicle includes a first airbag and a second airbag and a first airbag module. The first airbag module is shaped for mounting in a first front seatback and includes a first bracket, a first airbag in a deflated condition disposed in the bracket, and an inflator connected to the airbag. The first airbag in an inflated condition is sized to span a gap between the first front seatback and a second front seatback. A second airbag in a deflated condition is included as part of one of the first airbag module and a second airbag module. The second airbag in an inflated condition overlays the first airbag on one of a forward side and a rearward side.