Segmented Airbag Chambers for Predictable Head Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head airbags lack predictable and controlled inflation, which is crucial for effective whiplash injury prevention, especially considering variations in user head shape and airbag folding before inflation.
Innovation Solution
A wearable airbag system comprising an inflatable inner bag with elongate chambers surrounded by an outer bag, where the outer bag's structure defines the airbag shape upon inflation, and includes a second chamber for neck protection, with sections and passageways to control inflation and movement, and an inflation device triggered by accident detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag is designed as a single chamber, then the structure is simple, but the control of inflation is poor and predictability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple separate elongate chambers (first chambers for head protection, second chamber for neck protection) instead of a single chamber. This segmentation allows each chamber to be controlled independently, improving inflation predictability and reliability while maintaining a manageable structure through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag is made highly adaptable to different head shapes, then user comfort and protection effectiveness improve, but control over inflation becomes less predictable
Solution Approach 1:
Different chambers are designed with specific local qualities - elongate first chambers for head protection and a second chamber for neck protection. Each chamber is positioned and shaped to adapt to specific anatomical regions, providing localized adaptation without compromising overall inflation control through the segmented design.
3Speed
If the airbag expands rapidly to provide immediate protection, then response time is reduced, but control over expansion and shape maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented chamber design allows rapid inflation of individual chambers while maintaining overall shape control. Each elongate chamber can expand quickly to its designated position, and the collective arrangement of chambers maintains the intended airbag shape even during rapid deployment.
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 provides improved control over airbag inflation and shape, ensuring effective protection of the head and neck by allowing for predictable and efficient expansion, even in varying user head shapes, and maintains protective pressure for a specific duration post-accident.
Implementation Method 1
the inner bag comprises a plurality of elongate first chambers, each of which elongate first chambers forms a head protective part when inflated
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag (20) for protecting the head of a user in case of an accident is hereby presented. The airbag comprises an inflatable inner bag (21, 40, 50, 60) surrounded by an outer bag (22), wherein the structure of the outer bag (22) defines the shape of the airbag (20) when the inner bag (21) is inflated, and wherein said inner bag (21, 40, 50, 60) comprises a plurality of elongate first chambers (28, 29, 210, 211, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 65, 66, 69, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614), each of which elongate first chambers forms a head protective part when inflated.