Segmented Airbag for Autonomous Vehicle Occupant Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack traditional vehicle architecture, such as instrument panels and steering wheels, which complicates the deployment and effectiveness of airbags in providing frontal and side protection for occupants, as these structures typically serve as reaction surfaces for airbag deployment.
Innovation Solution
The airbag system consists of a first and second portion fluidly connected through an opening in a panel, with the first portion inflating and deploying laterally and the second portion deploying in front of the occupant, utilizing the vehicle seat and side structure as reaction surfaces to absorb impact, allowing for efficient deployment in unconventional seating arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional airbag systems are used in autonomous vehicles, then frontal and side protection can be provided, but the system cannot deploy effectively without traditional reaction surfaces like instrument panels and steering wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can inflate and deploy in different directions. The first portion deploys laterally against the side structure while the second portion deploys forward against the seat, allowing the airbag system to function without traditional reaction surfaces like instrument panels or steering wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag deployment is extended from traditional single-direction forward deployment to multi-directional deployment. The first portion inflates in a lateral direction toward the side structure while the second portion inflates in a forward direction toward the seat, creating a three-dimensional protection zone that adapts to autonomous vehicle configurations.
2Reliability
If the airbag is positioned to provide both lateral and frontal protection, then comprehensive occupant protection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is segmented into two fluidly connected portions that share a common inflation system. This segmentation allows each portion to target specific protection zones (lateral and frontal) while maintaining a unified deployment mechanism, balancing comprehensive coverage with structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single airbag device performs multiple protection functions by directing different portions to different locations. The first portion provides lateral protection against the side structure while the second portion provides frontal protection against the seat, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate airbag systems.
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 enables effective airbag deployment and protection in autonomous vehicles by using the seat and side structure as reaction surfaces, providing a ride-down effect for both forward and downward movements, and accommodating various seating configurations without the need for traditional vehicle architecture.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion is inflated and deployed to a position lateral of the occupant. The second portion is inflated and deployed from the first portion to a position in front of the occupant.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a side structure and a cabin with a seat for the occupant includes providing an airbag in a stored condition offset from a centerline of the seat. The airbag has a first portion and a second portion fluidly connected with one another. The first portion is inflated and deployed to a position lateral of the occupant. The second portion is inflated and deployed from the first portion to a position in front of the occupant.