Seat Airbag Sheet Linking Dual Inflatables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag systems in vehicles often interfere with occupants during deployment, leading to ineffective kinematic control due to interference and improper positioning.
Innovation Solution
The airbag assembly includes a first and second airbag supported by the seatback, with a sheet extending between them to facilitate inflation without occupant interference and maintain position, aided by tethers and an inflator system for controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If airbags are deployed from traditional positions, then inflation speed is fast, but the airbags interfere with occupants and fail to maintain proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sheet extending in the vertical dimension from the first airbag to the second airbag, creating a three-dimensional structure that spans across the occupant space. This dimensional addition allows the airbags to maintain proper positioning and control kinematics without interfering with the occupant, as the sheet provides structural support and guidance for the airbag deployment path.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet acts as an intermediary element between the airbags and the occupant space. It extends from the first airbag to the second airbag, facilitating controlled inflation while preventing direct interference with the occupant. The sheet mediates the deployment process, ensuring the airbags maintain proper positioning throughout inflation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If airbags are positioned to avoid occupant interference, then occupant safety is improved, but airbag positioning and inflation control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the airbags, guides their inflation path, prevents occupant interference, and maintains proper positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex control mechanisms, as the sheet inherently performs several critical functions that would otherwise require separate systems.
3Ease of operation
If airbags are deployed without structural support, then deployment is simple, but the airbags cannot maintain proper position during inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin sheet structure to provide structural support for the airbags. This thin film approach maintains deployment simplicity while ensuring the airbags maintain proper positioning during inflation. The sheet is sufficiently rigid to provide support but flexible enough to allow smooth inflation without complex mechanical structures.
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 solution ensures the airbags inflate and maintain position over the occupant, effectively controlling kinematics during a vehicle impact by preventing interference and ensuring proper positioning, thus enhancing occupant safety.
Implementation Method 1
an inflation device in communication with the airbag for inflating the airbag from an uninflated position to an inflated position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a seatback. The assembly includes a first airbag and a second airbag, each inflatable to an inflated position spaced from each other at the seatback and abutting each other in front of and spaced from the seatback. The assembly includes a sheet extending from the first airbag to the second airbag in front of where the first airbag abuts the second airbag in the inflated positions.