Seat-Mounted Inflatable Airbag Assembly for Autonomous Vehicle Occupant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle airbag systems are limited in their ability to effectively retain occupants during sudden deceleration events, particularly in autonomous vehicles where the seat orientation may change, as they do not adapt to varying impact directions and occupant momentum.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat assembly with inflatable left and right airbags, a tether connecting them, and a front airbag, along with a rotatable seat mechanism, which deploys and positions airbags and a sheet to securely retain occupants regardless of impact direction, utilizing a control system to coordinate inflation and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixed-position airbags are used in vehicles, then the airbag system structure is simple, but the ability to retain occupants during sudden deceleration is insufficient, especially in autonomous vehicles with variable seat orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic airbag positioning by coupling airbags to the seat structure rather than fixing them to the vehicle body. The airbags move with the seat during rotation and adjustment, maintaining proper positioning relative to the occupant regardless of seat orientation. This dynamic configuration enables effective occupant retention in autonomous vehicles with variable seat orientation while managing system complexity through integrated seat-mounted deployment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If airbags are mounted in fixed positions in the vehicle, then the installation is straightforward, but the airbags cannot adapt to varying impact directions and occupant momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal airbag system mounted on the seat that can adapt to multiple impact directions and seat orientations. The airbags are positioned to provide protection whether the seat faces forward, backward, or at angles, and whether impact comes from the front, rear, or sides. This multi-functional design accommodates varying impact scenarios and autonomous vehicle configurations while using standardized seat-integrated deployment mechanisms that simplify installation.
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
Enhances occupant retention during impacts by ensuring airbags and a sheet deploy to match the occupant's momentum, providing effective cushioning and stability across various impact directions, especially in autonomous vehicles where seat orientation can change.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator positioned within the seatback and in fluid communication with the inflatable assembly to inflate the inflatable assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seatback including a left lateral panel and a right lateral panel opposite the left lateral panel, a left airbag inflatable from the left lateral panel to an inflated position, a right airbag inflatable from the right lateral panel to an inflated position, a tether extending from the left lateral panel to the right lateral panel, and a sheet connected to the left airbag and the right airbag. The tether is connected to the left and right airbags.