Vehicle Restraint System with Inflatable Supporting Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle restraint systems, such as air bags, face challenges in adjusting to varying load conditions and require significant gas volume and complex control systems, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A restraint system with gas-filled supporting structures and flexible carrier structures that unfold to enclose a carrier volume, reducing gas volume and force peaks, and allowing for self-regulation through adjustable venting and inflow apertures, enabling efficient restraint with reduced energy and temperature concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional gas bag is used to restrain occupants, then sufficient restraint force can be provided, but large gas volume is required leading to high temperature and pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bag is divided into multiple gas chambers separated by partition walls. Each chamber can be independently filled with gas, allowing the total gas volume to be distributed across multiple smaller chambers rather than requiring one large volume, thereby reducing peak temperature and pollution from gas generation
Solution Approach 2:
The gas chambers are arranged in a nested or layered configuration where partitions create internal structures within the gas bag. This nesting allows efficient space utilization while maintaining lower gas volume requirements compared to conventional single-chamber designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gas bag is designed to adjust to all possible load conditions, then adaptability is improved, but control and regulation technique becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bag system automatically adapts to different load conditions through its own structural characteristics rather than requiring external control systems. The multiple gas chambers and partition configuration enable self-regulation based on impact conditions, eliminating the need for complex sensors and control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by changing physical parameters of the gas bag structure itself, such as the configuration of partition walls and gas chamber volumes, rather than changing operational parameters through electronic control. This structural parameter design allows automatic adaptation to different occupant weights and positions
3Quantity of substance
If a two-layer gas bag is used, then gas volume is reduced and temperature is lowered, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The two-layer structure is achieved through partition walls that divide the gas bag into multiple chambers, effectively creating a segmented structure. This segmentation reduces the total gas volume required while maintaining restraint effectiveness, and the modular partition design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable
4Force
If supporting structures are unfolded to provide restraint, then force peaks on occupants are reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structures are designed to dynamically unfold during deployment rather than being static. This dynamic unfolding sequence allows the structure to progressively engage with the occupant, distributing force over time and reducing peak forces. The modular supporting structures can be manufactured using standardized components to manage complexity
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 system effectively adjusts to load conditions, reduces gas volume and force on occupants, and provides stable restraint with lower energy consumption and adaptable dampening, suitable for various accident scenarios and occupant positions.
Implementation Method 1
When the restraint system is activated, only the supporting structures are filled with gas (for example in a pyrotechnical manner)
Implementation Method 2
flexible carrier structures are fixed, which enclose a carrier volume that is formed by aspiration of ambient air due to the fast unfolding of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint system for a motor vehicle unfolds from a storage position to a restraint position. The unfolding is carried out by at least one supporting structure that can be inflated by a gas pressure source; and in the restraining position, the occupant is provided with a carrier volume for restraining the occupant in the displacement position, whereby the carrier volume is enclosed by at least one carrier structure. The dimension of the restraint system is adapted to the respective load condition, and the flexible carrier structure is fixed for enclosing the carrier volume by inflating the supporting structure.