Seatback Flexible Slip Plane Joint for Side Airbag Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seatback assemblies with integrated side airbag deployments often result in inconsistent deployment and damage to the seatback due to the tearing of upholstery material, and there is a need for a design that allows efficient assembly and proper airbag deployment while minimizing weight and maximizing passenger space.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seatback assembly featuring a cushion assembly with a back panel, living hinges, a frame, and a closeout panel that defines a peripheral gap, allowing an airbag to deploy between the closeout panel and the back panel, with a shingled portion of the closeout panel extending behind the back panel for aesthetic and structural integration, facilitating efficient airbag deployment and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag is encased within the fabric upholstery material of the seatback, then the airbag can be integrated into the seatback structure, but the upholstery material is torn during deployment resulting in inconsistent airbag deployment and substantial damage to the seatback
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid structural core (frame, back panel, closeout panel) and a flexible deployment zone (peripheral gap). The airbag is positioned to deploy within this dedicated gap rather than through the upholstery, separating the structural support function from the airbag deployment function. This segmentation allows the airbag to expand into a pre-defined space without compromising the structural integrity or aesthetic appearance of the seatback.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral gap acts as an intermediary space between the airbag and the seatback structure. This gap provides a controlled deployment environment that mediates between the expanding airbag and the rigid seatback components, allowing smooth expansion without direct contact that would cause tearing or damage. The gap ensures consistent deployment by providing a clear path for airbag expansion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag is encased within the fabric upholstery material of the seatback, then the airbag can be integrated into the seatback structure, but substantial damage to the seatback occurs during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid structural core (frame, back panel, closeout panel) and a flexible deployment zone (peripheral gap). The airbag is positioned to deploy within this dedicated gap rather than through the upholstery, separating the structural support function from the airbag deployment function. This segmentation allows the airbag to expand into a pre-defined space without compromising the structural integrity or aesthetic appearance of the seatback.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag deployment function is extracted from the upholstery material and relocated to the peripheral gap. By removing the airbag from its traditional encasement within the fabric, the design eliminates the source of damage (tearing) while maintaining the integrated appearance through the shingled closeout panel that conceals the deployment mechanism.
3Reliability
If vehicle seats are equipped with airbag assemblies, then safety features are improved, but the overall volume of vehicle seats increases resulting in increased weight and reduced passenger space
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag deployment space is relocated from the traditional internal upholstery volume to a peripheral dimension - the gap between the closeout panel and back panel. This dimensional shift allows the airbag to deploy in a previously unused space along the perimeter of the seatback, maintaining the compact overall volume while providing adequate deployment space for effective occupant protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag deployment mechanism is nested within the existing seatback structure by utilizing the peripheral gap that is already part of the seatback assembly. The closeout panel with its shingled portion creates a concealed nesting environment where the airbag can be stored and deployed without adding external bulk, effectively hiding the safety feature within the aesthetic外壳 of the seatback.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seatback assembly includes a cushion assembly having a seating surface. A back panel includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a back portion. A first living hinge is disposed between the first side portion and back portion. A second living hinge is disposed between the second side portion and back portion. A frame is disposed between the back panel and the cushion assembly. A peripheral cushion structure supports a periphery of the cushion assembly. A closeout panel is coupled with the back panel and is disposed behind the cushion structure to define a peripheral gap between the closeout panel and the cushion structure that extends around the sides of said seatback assembly. A shingled portion of the closeout panel extends behind and couples with the back panel. An airbag is coupled with the frame and is configured to deploy between the closeout and back panels.