Seat Airbag Chamber Layout for Stable Side-Impact Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat airbag systems face issues where the sub-chamber deploys in directions opposite or intersecting the intended deployment direction due to external impacts during vehicle collisions, compromising occupant protection.

Innovation Solution

A seat airbag device with a main chamber, sub-chamber, and expansion portion that deploy in specific directions to surround the occupant, and a tether system to stabilize the sub-chamber, preventing unwanted movement during deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sub-chamber is deployed in a direction intersecting the main chamber deployment direction, then the occupant can be protected from various collision directions, but the sub-chamber may move in unintended directions due to external impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidsub-chamber position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag system is divided into a main chamber and a sub-chamber as separate deployable units. The sub-chamber can be independently deployed from the main chamber, allowing it to extend in a direction intersecting the main chamber's deployment direction. This segmentation enables multi-directional protection coverage while maintaining independent control over each chamber's deployment trajectory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connection portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the main chamber and sub-chamber. This connection portion serves as a mediator that guides and constrains the sub-chamber's deployment direction, ensuring it extends in the intended intersecting direction while preventing unintended movement caused by external impacts during the collision event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the sub-chamber is connected directly to the main chamber, then the structure is simplified, but the sub-chamber moves uncontrollably due to external impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamber connection structureVSAvoiddeployment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portion adds a structural dimension between the main chamber and sub-chamber, creating a three-dimensional deployment path. This allows the sub-chamber to extend in a direction intersecting the main chamber's deployment direction, transforming a simple linear connection into a multi-dimensional deployment structure that achieves both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 device provides comprehensive protection by ensuring the sub-chamber and expansion portion deploy correctly, restraining the occupant and preventing secondary collisions, enhancing safety during vehicle collisions.

Implementation Method 1

a gas injector connected to a rear end of the main chamber and configured to inject the gas into the main chamber during operation thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas injection: Injector

Implementation Method 2

a main chamber located in a vehicle seat at a side portion of an occupant and configured to be deployed toward a front portion of the vehicle when gas is injected thereinto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas expansion: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12351121B2Seat airbag device for vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

AI summary

A seat airbag device for a vehicle is proposed. The seat airbag device for a vehicle includes: a main chamber located in a vehicle seat at a side portion of an occupant and configured to be deployed toward a front portion of the vehicle when gas is injected thereinto; a sub-chamber connected to a front end of the main chamber and configured to be deployed in a direction intersecting a deployment direction of the main chamber when the gas is injected thereinto; and an expansion portion expanded from the front end of the main chamber and connected to an upper portion or a lower portion of the sub-chamber.