Retractable Steering Column Variable Airbag Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with autonomous driving assist systems, the steering column assembly does not need to rotate, creating a need for a retractable design that allows the steering wheel to be repositioned for non-driving activities while ensuring driver protection during crashes, as the airbag's effectiveness is compromised when the steering wheel is retracted.
Innovation Solution
A steering column system with a column adjustment assembly that translates the steering column between retracted and driving positions, featuring an airbag that can inflate to two sizes: a smaller size for normal driving and a larger size when the column is retracted, ensuring adequate protection by extending the airbag's deployment distance to cover the increased gap between the wheel and the driver in case of a crash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering column is retracted to allow non-driving activities and optimize cabin space, then the steering wheel can be repositioned for alternative uses, but the airbag's protective effectiveness is compromised due to increased distance from the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system dynamically adjusts its deployment characteristics based on the steering column position. When the column is retracted, the airbag deploys with greater force and to a larger extent to compensate for the increased distance, ensuring protective effectiveness is maintained across different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the airbag deployment parameters (deployment force, duration, and extent) based on the detected steering column position. Sensors monitor whether the column is in driving or retracted position, and the control system adjusts airbag inflation parameters accordingly to maintain optimal protection
2Reliability
If the airbag deploys to a larger size when the steering column is retracted, then driver protection is maintained despite increased distance, but the system complexity increases due to position detection and variable deployment control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the steering column position and provide feedback to the airbag control system. This feedback loop enables the control system to automatically adjust airbag deployment parameters based on real-time position information, maintaining protection effectiveness without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag system serves multiple functions: it provides protection in both driving and retracted positions, and the same basic airbag structure is used for both modes by simply adjusting deployment parameters rather than requiring separate airbag systems for each position
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 provides enhanced driver protection by ensuring the airbag can effectively deploy and absorb kinetic energy even when the steering column is in the retracted position, maintaining safety and comfort by allowing the steering wheel to be used for non-driving activities and optimizing cabin space.
Implementation Method 1
The system provides enhanced driver protection by ensuring the airbag can effectively deploy and absorb kinetic energy even when the steering column is in the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, the air bag deployable to one of a first size and a second size, the second size greater than the first size. When the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable to the first size, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is deployable to the second size.