Seatback Deployable Panel Assembly for Cargo Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety systems fail to effectively separate cargo from occupants during vehicle impacts, leading to potential injury from unrestrained cargo movement and inadequate control of occupant kinematics.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system featuring a deployable panel and airbag assembly, where a pyrotechnic actuator deploys a rigid panel between the cargo and occupant cabins, and an inflator inflates an airbag to control occupant kinematics, utilizing a track system and computer-activated pyrotechnic actuator to ensure safe deployment and inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deployable panel is added to separate cargo from occupants, then cargo movement control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a deployable panel for cargo separation, a pyrotechnic actuator for deployment, and an airbag for occupant protection. Each module operates independently but coordinates during deployment, allowing complex functionality while maintaining manageable system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag is positioned within or adjacent to the deployable panel structure, with the pyrotechnic actuator integrated into the panel assembly. This nesting reduces overall system volume and simplifies the structural framework by combining multiple safety functions into a compact integrated unit
2Speed
If a pyrotechnic actuator is used to deploy the panel, then deployment speed is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrotechnic actuator is designed as a single-use, disposable component that is replaced after each deployment event. This approach simplifies manufacturing by using straightforward chemical propulsion mechanisms rather than complex reusable mechanical systems, while ensuring reliable high-speed deployment when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The pyrotechnic actuator serves as an intermediary conversion device, transforming chemical energy into mechanical motion to deploy the panel. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve rapid deployment without requiring complex direct mechanical actuation systems, simplifying both manufacturing and control
3Reliability
If both panel deployment and airbag inflation are implemented, then occupant kinematics control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is pre-positioned and pre-inflated to a partial state before impact, with the deployable panel also in a ready-to-deploy configuration. Upon impact detection, the system completes the deployment and full inflation in a coordinated manner, reducing the total energy required compared to deploying both systems from a fully stowed state
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a two-stage deployment sequence: first the panel deploys to separate cargo, then the airbag inflates to protect occupants. This periodic, sequential action optimizes energy usage by activating systems in the order of their functional requirements, avoiding simultaneous high-energy activation
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 system effectively separates cargo from occupants, minimizing cargo movement and controlling occupant kinematics during impacts, thereby enhancing safety by using a deployable panel and airbag assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A pyrotechnic actuator fixed to the seatback frame is operatively engaged with the panel to deploy the panel from the stowed position to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
an inflator inflates an airbag to control occupant kinematics
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body defining an interior cabin having an occupant cabin and a cargo cabin. A seatback is in the occupant cabin. The seatback has a seatback frame elongated along an upright axis. A panel is elongated along the upright axis of the seatback frame. The panel is slidably engaged with the seatback frame. The panel is slidable relative to the seatback frame along the upright axis from a stowed position to a deployed position. The panel is stowed relative to the seatback frame in the stowed position and elongated away from the seatback frame along the upright axis between the occupant cabin and the cargo cabin in the deployed position. A pyrotechnic actuator is fixed to the seatback frame and operatively engaged with the panel to deploy the panel from the stowed position to the deployed position.