Straddle Vehicle Seat Airbag Deployment via Step Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In straddle-type vehicles, the limited space in the seat for mounting an airbag device restricts efficient deployment and effective protection of occupants on the front side, as conventional airbag deployment structures are hindered by the compact seat design and limited arrangement freedom.
Innovation Solution
The airbag device is strategically positioned on a rear side of a step portion between the front and rear seats, with the airbag deploying forward and inward from the step, utilizing multiple deployment portions to cover a wider area around the occupant, including oblique and upward deployments, to enhance protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag device is mounted in the seat, then the occupant can be protected, but the limited space in the seat restricts efficient deployment and arrangement freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is deployed not only forward but also upward and inward from the step portion, utilizing three-dimensional space rather than conventional single-direction deployment. This multi-directional deployment enables the airbag to protect occupants effectively while accommodating the limited seat space constraints
2Device complexity
If the airbag deploys directly above the seat, then the structure is simple, but the degree of freedom in arrangement is limited and protection coverage is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple deployment portions (forward deployment portion and inward deployment portion) that deploy in different directions. This segmentation allows the airbag to cover broader areas including front and side regions, enhancing protection coverage while maintaining deployment efficiency
3Area of stationary object
If the airbag deploys forward from the step portion, then multi-directional coverage is achieved, but the deployment path may intersect with occupant position
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the airbag are designed with different deployment characteristics - the forward deployment portion extends horizontally to cover front areas, while the inward deployment portion rises upward to cover side and upper regions. This localized differentiation enables comprehensive protection while navigating around the occupant's position
Data Source
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AI summary
In a straddle-type vehicle including an airbag device in a seat for an occupant, the airbag can be efficiently disposed in the seat, and an occupant on a front side of the airbag device can be protected by the airbag device. In the straddle-type vehicle including an airbag device 40 in a seat 13 for an occupant, the seat 13 includes a front seat 30 and a rear seat 31 disposed on a rear side and an upper side of the front seat 30, a step portion 32 is formed between the front seat 30 and the rear seat 31, the airbag device 40 is disposed on a rear side of the step portion 32 in the seat 13, and an airbag 42 of the airbag device 40 is to be deployed forward of the vehicle.