Rotatable Airbag Base with Pinion and Rack Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag systems are not effectively designed to adapt to various impact orientations, particularly during oblique impacts, which can lead to inadequate protection for vehicle occupants as they may not adjust the airbag deployment direction to minimize occupant sliding and head roll during such collisions.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable airbag assembly system that includes a base with a pinion and racks engaged by pyrotechnic devices, allowing the airbag to be directed towards either the driver or passenger side of the vehicle, or rotated to deploy away from the longitudinal direction and towards the latitudinal direction, based on the sensed impact orientation, using a vehicle controller to actuate the pyrotechnic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag is designed for a fixed orientation to protect occupants in standard frontal collisions, then the airbag deployment is simple and reliable for designed scenarios, but the airbag cannot adapt to oblique impacts or angular impacts where occupants are urged toward the side doors
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag assembly transitions from a fixed orientation to a dynamically adjustable orientation. The base is made rotatable relative to the vehicle component, allowing the airbag deployment direction to change dynamically based on impact conditions. This enables the system to adapt to oblique and angular impacts while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by rotating to different orientations. A single airbag assembly can protect occupants in various impact scenarios including frontal, oblique, and angular impacts by directing deployment toward the side doors when needed. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate airbag systems for different impact types.
2Reliability
If the airbag deployment direction is fixed toward the front, then the airbag structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the airbag cannot reduce occupant sliding and head roll injuries during oblique impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a rotatable base that can be positioned at different angles relative to the vehicle component. This dynamic positioning capability allows the airbag to be oriented optimally for different impact scenarios, improving protection effectiveness against oblique and angular impacts while maintaining ease of installation through a standardized mounting interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pyrotechnic devices and racks are added to enable rotation of the airbag base, then the airbag can adapt to various impact orientations, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnic devices are pre-positioned to engage with the racks, which are already attached to the rotatable base. In the event of an oblique or angular impact, the pyrotechnic devices are actuated to rotate the base to the appropriate orientation before airbag deployment. This preliminary positioning ensures the airbag is correctly oriented for the specific impact scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-stage mechanical rotation mechanisms with a simpler pyrotechnic actuation system. The pyrotechnic devices directly drive the racks to rotate the base, eliminating the need for motors, gears, or other complex mechanical components. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt to various impact orientations.
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 enhances occupant safety by ensuring the airbag is deployed in the optimal direction during oblique impacts, reducing the likelihood of sliding and head roll injuries by dynamically adjusting the airbag deployment based on the impact angle, thereby improving protection across different collision scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic device configured to move the rack relative to the base and cause the rack to engage the pinion and rotate the base upon actuation of the pyrotechnic device
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a base having a pinion. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the base. The assembly includes a rack configured to engage the pinion. The assembly includes a pyrotechnic device configured to move the rack relative to the base and cause the rack to engage the pinion and rotate the base upon actuation of the pyrotechnic device.