Segmented Inflatable Restraint Structure for Vehicle Occupant Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle restraint systems face challenges in adjusting to varying load conditions and occupant positions, leading to instability during unfolding and increased gas volume requirements, which can result in inadequate restraint and higher force peaks on occupants.
Innovation Solution
A complex inflatable supporting structure with a branched tree-like design that adjusts its stability and gas distribution dynamically, using flexible sheets and pressure-relief mechanisms to reduce gas volume and distribute forces, allowing for adaptive restraint and reduced pressure on occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spherical gas bag is used, then the gas bag achieves full stability and restraining force when fully unfolded, but it requires large gas volume and produces high force peaks on occupants during unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bag is divided into multiple longitudinal sections separated by flexible partitions, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation allows the gas bag to unfold in a controlled manner, reducing the peak forces on occupants while maintaining the necessary restraining force. The segmented design also improves gas distribution throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional spherical gas bag to a longitudinal tubular structure with extension in the longitudinal direction exceeding transverse dimensions. This dimensional change allows the gas bag to unfold progressively along its length, reducing the instantaneous gas volume requirement and force peaks while maintaining effective restraining capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a two-layer gas bag is used, then the temperature and pollution are reduced, but the gas bag requires complex control and regulation techniques to adjust to load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bag incorporates self-regulating venting apertures that automatically close when the inner pressure becomes too large, eliminating the need for complex control systems. The structure itself provides the regulation mechanism through its geometric design and material properties, achieving automatic adaptation to load conditions without electronic controls.
3Quantity of substance
If the supporting structure has longitudinal extension exceeding transverse extension, then the gas volume is reduced, but the structure is initially unstable during unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal tubular structure is divided into multiple segments by flexible partitions, which provide structural stability during the unfolding process. Each segment can unfold independently and progressively, preventing the instability that would occur in a single continuous tube while maintaining the reduced gas volume benefit of the longitudinal extension design.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible partitions are used to create the segmented structure, allowing the gas bag to unfold smoothly while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible elements provide the necessary stability during unfolding transitions while accommodating the longitudinal extension geometry that reduces gas volume requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If venting apertures are provided to close automatically, then the system can adjust to load conditions, but the control technique becomes cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The venting apertures are designed to close automatically based on pressure differential alone, without requiring sensors, actuators, or electronic control systems. The aperture geometry and positioning on the longitudinal tubes create a passive self-regulating mechanism that adapts to load conditions through pure mechanical means, eliminating the cost-intensive control techniques of active 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
The system achieves enhanced stability and reduced force peaks during unfolding, providing a stronger restraint action while minimizing gas volume and temperature, allowing for effective protection across different load conditions and occupant positions.
Implementation Method 1
produce relative large amounts of gas (e.g., in a pyrotechnical manner) and to introduce them into the gas bag
Implementation Method 2
The supporting structure is segmented by means of flexible partitions, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, into a plurality of longitudinal sections
Implementation Method 3
If the supporting structure impacts upon an obstacle during the unfolding, as is the case for example with occupants leaning forward (out of position), unfolding can be stopped more easily or deflected
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint system for a motor vehicle is formed by one or more inflatable supporting structures whose longitudinal extent in the deployed state substantially exceeds their transverse dimension, and which unfold mainly in the direction of their longitudinal extension. During unfolding, the supporting structure, when impacting upon an obstacle does not have the same stability as when it is completely unfolded, and/or does not reach the final volume or the final extension.