Retractable Steering Wheel Airbag Control for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles with retractable steering wheels face challenges in ensuring effective airbag deployment when the steering wheel transitions from an extended to a retracted position, as existing systems struggle to manage airbag deployment without interference from the retracting wheel, ensuring occupant safety in both driver and autonomous modes.
Innovation Solution
An occupant airbag system with a control module that suppresses or enables deployment of airbags based on the steering wheel's position, using sensors to determine if the retractable steering wheel is in an extended or retracted position, allowing for the deployment of airbags from alternate locations such as the instrument panel, roof, or seat without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering wheel is retracted to provide increased space in the vehicle cabin during autonomous mode, then the available space and comfort are improved, but the ability of the steering wheel airbag to deploy effectively is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between steering wheel airbag and alternate airbag based on the real-time position of the retractable steering wheel. When the steering wheel is in the extended position, the steering wheel airbag is enabled; when retracted, the alternate airbag is enabled. This dynamic adaptation ensures airbag effectiveness regardless of steering wheel position while maintaining cabin space benefits during autonomous mode.
Solution Approach 2:
An airbag control module acts as an intermediary between the steering wheel position sensor and the airbag assembly. The control module receives position signals, determines the appropriate airbag deployment strategy, and controls which airbag assembly is enabled for deployment. This intermediary coordination ensures that the correct airbag is selected based on steering wheel position, resolving the conflict between space utilization and safety effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is in the extended position for driver mode operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability of alternate airbags to deploy without interference is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which airbag assembly to enable based on the steering wheel's extended position. When the steering wheel is extended for driver mode, the control module enables the steering wheel airbag assembly and disables the alternate airbag assembly, preventing potential interference while maintaining full steering wheel functionality for easy operation.
3Measurement precision
If the airbag control module uses position sensors to determine steering wheel position for airbag deployment control, then the precision of airbag selection is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag control module serves multiple functions: it receives position signals from sensors, determines steering wheel position status, selects the appropriate airbag assembly for deployment, and controls the deployment process. This multi-functional design consolidates control logic into a single module, achieving precise airbag selection without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant airbag system for use in a vehicle with a retractable steering wheel includes a first airbag assembly located in the retractable steering wheel. The first airbag assembly is configured to deploy a first airbag cushion between an occupant and a rigid structure of the vehicle. The occupant airbag system also includes a second airbag assembly configured to deploy a second airbag cushion between the occupant and the rigid structure of the vehicle. The occupant airbag system also includes an airbag control module configured to suppress deployment of the first airbag cushion and to enable deployment of the second airbag cushion when the retractable steering wheel is in a retracted position.