Side Airbag for Autonomous Vehicle Occupant Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, the absence of traditional structural elements like instrument panels and steering wheels poses a challenge for airbag deployment, as these structures are typically used as reaction surfaces to absorb impact energy, but in their absence, it becomes difficult to locate a suitable reaction surface for airbag positioning and effective impact absorption.
Innovation Solution
The airbag is designed to be inflatable and positioned between the occupant and the vehicle's side structure, extending in a forward-rearward direction with specific edge configurations and positioning options, such as the B-pillar or door, to accommodate unconventional seating arrangements and provide adequate protection by using the vehicle side structure as a reaction surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional instrument panel and steering wheel structures are removed to create spacious autonomous vehicle cabins, then vehicle spaciousness and design flexibility are improved, but the availability of reaction surfaces for airbag deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the airbag system to function with multiple different reaction surfaces. The airbag can deploy against the instrument panel in traditional configurations, or against the side structure (B-pillar, door) in autonomous vehicle configurations without driver controls. This multi-functionality allows the same airbag system to serve both conventional and autonomous vehicle architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional frontal airbag deployment (front-to-back direction) to side airbag deployment (lateral direction). The airbag is positioned to extend from the side structure toward the center of the cabin, providing restraint in the lateral dimension rather than only in the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional change creates new deployment geometries that work with the removed front structures.
2Reliability
If the airbag is positioned to protect occupants in reclined seating positions, then protection coverage is improved, but the airbag deployment space and positioning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the airbag a flexible, inflatable structure that can adapt its shape and position after deployment. Rather than requiring precise pre-positioning for different seating angles, the airbag inflates to fill the space between the occupant and the side structure, automatically adjusting to the occupant's position and the seat's recline angle. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the system while maintaining comprehensive protection.
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 allows the airbag to effectively absorb impact forces and provide head and neck support for occupants in various seating positions, including reclined positions, by aligning with the occupant's torso and head and utilizing the vehicle side structure to constrain movement during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an airbag (70) having a stored condition outboard of the occupant and inflatable to a deployed condition positioned between the occupant and the vehicle side structure
Implementation Method 2
the airbag can effectively absorb impact forces and provide head and neck support for occupants
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint system for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a side structure and a cabin with a seat for the occupant includes an airbag having a stored condition outboard of the occupant. The airbag is inflatable to a deployed condition positioned between the occupant and the vehicle side structure. The airbag extends in a forward-rearward direction from a first end positioned in front of the occupant to a second end positioned behind the occupant such that a torso and head of the occupant are laterally aligned with the second end when the seat is placed in a reclined position.