Vehicle Seat Back Panel Hook Mechanism for Airbag Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat far side airbag modules are hindered by connections like seams or clips that slow down airbag deployment, as they require breaking to allow the airbag to inflate and cushion occupants during sideways crashes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of first and second hooks on the airbag module and back panel, respectively, which move laterally to create a gap between the back panel and upholstery before airbag deployment, allowing the airbag to inflate quickly without exerting excessive force on surrounding structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seams, clips or friction fit connections are used to hold the back panel in place, then the back panel is securely mounted to the frame structure, but the airbag deployment is slowed down due to the need to break these connections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from the back panel structure by using a separate retainer clip that can be easily removed. The retainer clip holds the back panel in the normal state, but can be quickly extracted during airbag deployment, allowing the airbag to inflate without having to break permanent structural connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer clip is designed to be dynamically removable - it provides secure holding during normal operation but can be quickly released when needed. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to transition from a secured state to a deployed state without permanent structural damage or complex breaking mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the back panel is held firmly against the upholstery, then the back panel remains stable during normal use, but excessive force is exerted on surrounding structures during airbag deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer clip extracts the holding function from the back panel-upholstery interface. During deployment, the retainer clip is removed, allowing the back panel to move away from the upholstery without exerting excessive force on surrounding structures like the frame or side trim.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer clip is removed in advance of airbag deployment, creating a pre-condition where the back panel is free to move. This preliminary action prevents the back panel from resisting the deployment force, thereby reducing the force transmitted to surrounding structures.
3Reliability
If clips or seams are used to connect the back panel, then the back panel is securely positioned, but additional connections and components are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function into a single, simple retainer clip component rather than using multiple clips, seams, or complex fastening mechanisms. This simplified connection can be easily attached and removed, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer clip serves multiple functions: it secures the back panel during normal use, can be easily removed during deployment, and simplifies the overall connection system. This multi-functional component reduces the need for multiple specialized connections.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A vehicle seat upper portion, having a front side, a rear side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side, and comprising: a frame structure; upholstery extending at least across the first lateral side and having an edge that is attached to a side trim list; a back panel arranged at the rear side of the frame structure and mounted to the frame structure, the back panel comprising a main surface and two lateral surfaces; and a far side airbag module mounted on the frame structure and comprising a side airbag, wherein the far side airbag module, on a side thereof facing away from the frame structure, is provided with a first hook, and wherein the back panel on an inner lateral side thereof is provided with a second hook for engaging the first hook in such a manner that upon deployment of the airbag of the airbag module, the first hook and second hook urge the lateral side of the back panel away from the upholstery to form a gap between the back panel and the upholstery for passage of the airbag, before the fabric of the airbag contacts any of the back panel, upholstery and/or side trim list. As the gap, e.g. of between 5 mm and 10 mm is formed by lateral movement of the hooks relative to the frame structure, rather than by contact with the fabric of the airbag as it inflates, delay of deployment of the airbag due to it having to break a connection is avoided.