Segmented Airbag Support Structure for Occupant Restraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional airbags face challenges in providing optimal protection for vehicle occupants, especially in poor seating positions, due to issues with out-of-position (OoP) behavior and low risk deployment (LRD), which can lead to inadequate restraint and potential injury from the airbag itself.

Innovation Solution

An airbag with a support structure that deploys mechanically or via gas flow, featuring a covering and connection elements that connect components to form a restraint volume, optimizing the restraint effect by adjusting pressure build-up and preventing uncontrolled movement, and segmented design for tailored restraint characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the airbag uses a support structure deployed by gas flow or mechanical means to form a restraint volume, then the deployment speed and restraint effectiveness are improved, but the risk of injury from uncontrolled movement or bulging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint effectivenessVSAvoidinjury risk from airbag deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple hollow bodies or mechanical components that are connected to each other, creating a segmented framework. This segmentation allows controlled deployment while distributing forces evenly, preventing uncontrolled bulging that could injure occupants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag uses a flexible covering that surrounds the support structure and restraint volume. This flexible shell contains the gas flow and mechanical movement, directing it to expand the airbag in a controlled manner rather than allowing uncontrolled bulging, thereby reducing injury risk while maintaining restraint effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the airbag restraint volume is filled with ambient air or pressurized gas, then the restraint effect is enhanced, but the inner pressure may be insufficient during impact, reducing restraint efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint effectVSAvoidinner pressure during impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is deployed in advance of the impact, creating the restraint volume before the occupant contacts the airbag. This preliminary deployment ensures that the airbag is already in position and can immediately begin restraining the occupant, eliminating delays that would occur with conventional inflation-only systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag system uses gas flow (pneumatics) to deploy the support structure and inflate the airbag. Gas is directed through channels in the hollow bodies or between mechanical components, providing rapid and controlled pressurization that enhances restraint effect while managing internal pressure distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Area of stationary object

If the airbag allows lateral expansion during deployment, then the coverage area increases, but the pressure build-up within the restraint volume is reduced, diminishing restraint effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairbag coverage areaVSAvoidpressure build-up in restraint volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure segments the airbag into defined compartments using hollow bodies or mechanical components. This segmentation restricts lateral expansion while maintaining overall coverage area, concentrating the gas flow and occupant force to build up effective pressure within the restraint volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible covering is designed to work with the segmented support structure, allowing controlled expansion in desired directions while restricting uncontrolled lateral bulging. This maintains pressure build-up efficiency while preserving adequate coverage area for occupant protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution enhances occupant protection by ensuring efficient pressure build-up and preventing bulging, resulting in improved OoP and LRD behaviors, providing a more effective restraint mechanism that adapts to different occupant sizes and positions.

Implementation Method 1

a support structure that is displaced from a storage position to a restraint position in a mechanical manner or by means of a gas flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentUS8651522B2Airbag, in particular for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG

AI summary

An airbag for a motor vehicle, comprises a support structure that can be displaced from a storage position to a restraint position, and a covering which surrounds a restraint volume of the airbag formed by the support structure in its restraint position. At least one connecting element, which extends inside the restraint volume, connects together the hollow bodies of the support structure and/or the surface areas of the covering.