Vehicle Seatback Airbag Mounting for Swing Frame Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle seats with swingable backrests, side airbags often get blocked during deployment due to the swingable frame, which can prevent them from reliably deploying to the side of the occupant in the event of a side collision.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle seat design includes a seatback main frame and a swingable seatback subframe with side airbag modules attached to the subframe, which allows for reliable deployment by positioning the subframe further forward and incorporating airbag receiving portions on the main frame to receive the airbag during deployment, and using airbag brackets with side and rear plates to manage the airbag's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If side airbag modules are attached to the fixed seatback main frame, then the airbag deployment path is clear, but the swingable backrest cannot perform its swing function
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into two independent frames: the fixed seatback main frame and the swingable seatback subframe. The side airbag modules are attached to the fixed main frame, ensuring reliable deployment, while the subframe retains full swing capability without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The side airbag modules are extracted from the swingable subframe and attached to the fixed main frame instead. This separates the airbag deployment function from the swing function, allowing both to operate independently without mutual interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If side airbag modules are attached to the swingable seatback subframe, then the backrest can swing freely, but the airbag deployment is blocked by the swingable frame
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is segmented into a fixed main frame and a swingable subframe. By attaching airbags to the fixed main frame rather than the swingable subframe, the system ensures that airbag deployment is not blocked while the subframe maintains its swing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The side airbag modules are extracted from the swingable subframe and reattached to the fixed main frame. This extraction eliminates the blocking issue caused by the swingable frame moving in front of the airbag deployment path.
3Volume of moving object
If the seatback subframe is positioned further forward, then airbag deployment space is increased, but the structural compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback structure is segmented into a fixed main frame and a swingable subframe positioned forward. This segmentation allows the subframe to be placed in the optimal position for airbag deployment while the main frame remains fixed and compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag receiving portions act as intermediaries between the forward-positioned subframe and the rearward main frame. These receiving portions guide and receive the deploying airbags, enabling the subframe to be positioned forward for adequate deployment space while maintaining overall structural compactness through the mediator mechanism.
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
This configuration ensures that the side airbag can deploy effectively to the side of the occupant, providing sufficient forward deployment while preventing rearward movement and avoiding blockages by the swingable frame.
Implementation Method 1
The inflator is activated to supply gas into the airbag so that the airbag deploys (inflates) towards a side of an occupant.
Data Source
AI summary
A seatback subframe is swingable laterally of the vehicle with respect to a seatback main frame. A backrest is attached to the seatback subframe. Side airbag modules are attached to the seatback subframe at side edges.