Rotating Support Arms for Reclined Passenger Airbag Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual and passive restraint systems in vehicles are ineffective for passengers in reclined positions, particularly in autonomous vehicles with unconventional seating configurations, as they fail to provide adequate protection during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat safety system incorporating a thorax airbag and a thigh airbag, deployed from support arms that rotate into position above the passenger, providing protection during collisions and featuring a spring mechanism to limit airbag force, with pyrotechnic devices for rapid inflation in response to collision detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual and passive restraint systems are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the system fails to provide adequate protection for passengers in reclined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed to rotate from a stowed position to an deployed position above the passenger's thorax and thighs. This dynamic positioning allows the airbags to be effectively positioned only when needed (during collisions), maintaining simplicity during normal operation while providing protection when required
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms with integrated airbags are pre-positioned above the passenger's vital areas (thorax and thighs) before a collision occurs. The rotatable support arms are held in a ready position that allows immediate airbag deployment without requiring complex real-time positioning systems during the collision event
2Reliability
If the airbag inflates with high force to provide effective protection, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the risk of injury from excessive force increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is integrated into the support arm assembly that acts as a counterweight or opposing force to the airbag inflation force. This spring mechanism limits the maximum force the airbag can exert on the passenger, preventing injury from excessive inflation force while still maintaining adequate protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-configured in the support arm assembly to provide cushioning against excessive airbag force. This mechanical cushioning is built into the system before deployment, automatically limiting the force transmitted to the passenger during airbag inflation without requiring complex electronic control systems
3Manufacturing precision
If the support arm is fixed in position to ensure airbag placement, then the airbag positioning is accurate, but passenger entry and exit becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed to rotate between a stowed position (allowing passenger access) and a deployed position (providing accurate airbag placement). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to switch between ease of operation and positioning accuracy based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable support arm mechanism is designed to prevent the airbag from interfering with passenger entry and exit by rotating out of the way when not in use. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the harmful effect of the support arm blocking passenger access while maintaining the capability for accurate airbag deployment when needed
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 protects passengers in reclined positions by distributing collision impact across a larger area, reducing pressure on the thorax and thighs, and allowing for easy passenger entry and exit with lockable hinges and rotatable support arms.
Implementation Method 1
a first airbag on a lower surface of the first support arm, the first support arm holding the first airbag in a position above the thorax of a passenger reclining in the vehicle seat. The first airbag inflates in the event of a collision and provides protection between the first support arm and the thorax of the passenger
Implementation Method 2
featuring a spring mechanism to limit airbag force
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle safety seat system comprises: i) a vehicle seat configured to move to a substantially reclining position, the vehicle seat comprising a seat back and a seat bottom; and ii) a first support arm associated with the seat back, the first support arm including a first airbag on a lower surface of the first support arm, the first support arm holding the first airbag in a position above the thorax of a passenger reclining in the vehicle seat. The first airbag inflates in the event of a collision and provides protection between the first support arm and the thorax of the passenger.