Side Airbag Cushion Layout Without Tethers or Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag devices require complex assembly due to the need for tethers or folding processes to adjust expansion forms, leading to increased parts and complicated assembly work.
Innovation Solution
The side airbag device employs asymmetrically attached panels with insertion holes for stud bolts, eliminating the need for tethers and folding adjustments by using sewing to join panels, which are integrated to reduce part count and simplify assembly, while ensuring the stitching lines are biased away from the occupant during deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If tethers are provided for two panels to adjust the expansion form of the airbag, then the expansion form can be controlled, but the number of parts increases and assembly work becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the tether component entirely from the airbag system. Instead of using tethers to control expansion, the patent uses an asymmetric panel configuration where one panel is longer than the other, allowing the airbag to achieve controlled expansion form without any additional tether parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies asymmetry by making the first panel longer than the second panel. This asymmetric length difference creates a natural twisting effect during expansion that controls the expansion form, eliminating the need for symmetric tether arrangements on both panels.
2Shape
If adjustment of the expansion form is based on a folding process of the cushion, then the expansion form can be adjusted, but the assembly work becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric panel configuration is pre-designed and built into the airbag structure during manufacturing. This preliminary asymmetric design automatically provides the desired expansion form adjustment without requiring complex folding processes or additional assembly steps to create the shape control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stitching lines are positioned centrally when the cushion expands and deploys, then the panels are evenly joined, but the stitching lines contact the occupant causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric panel lengths cause the stitching line to be positioned asymmetrically relative to the airbag's centerline when deployed. This asymmetric positioning naturally shifts the stitching line away from the occupant side, eliminating contact and discomfort while maintaining proper panel joining.
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 solution allows for adjustable expansion without tethers or folding processes, reducing assembly complexity and minimizing occupant discomfort by avoiding stitching line contact during deployment.
Implementation Method 1
an inflater that is encased in the cushion and supplies the gas that expands and deploys the cushion
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The side airbag device is composed of a cushion that expands and deploys toward the front of the vehicle in the vehicle cabin to restrain an occupant seated in a seat from the side, and an inflater that is encased in the cushion and supplies the gas that expands and deploys the cushion, wherein the cushion is provided with a first panel facing the side position of the occupant in an expanded and deployed state and a second panel joined to the first panel positioned on the opposite side of the occupant, of the first panel and second panel, an insertion hole is provided at a position near the rear end of one of the panels and a stud bolt is inserted to fasten the inflater to the vehicle structure, and the cushion is attached to the wall facing toward the front of the vehicle to the side of the occupant together with the inflater using the stud bolt.