Side Airbag Folding Layout for Faster Forward Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side airbag devices deploy in a manner that delays the forward deployment, causing the occupant's upper arm to push against the chest, compressing it due to the airbag deploying in the up-down direction after initial deployment.
Innovation Solution
The airbag is folded with a specific configuration involving a pair of sheets facing each other, with portions folded in an accordion style and positioned to deploy in both vertical and horizontal directions, ensuring timely and controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the airbag deploys in the up-down direction first and then forward, then the airbag can cover the side part of the occupant in a vertical wide area, but the timing of forward deployment is delayed causing chest compression
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple deployment zones with different folding patterns. The lower end part uses a first folding pattern for vertical deployment, while the upper end part uses a second folding pattern for simultaneous forward and vertical deployment. This segmentation allows different portions of the airbag to deploy in different sequences, resolving the contradiction between achieving vertical coverage and maintaining timely forward deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag employs dynamic deployment control through differentiated folding patterns in different regions. The folding patterns are designed to create varying deployment speeds and directions across different portions of the airbag, enabling the upper end to deploy forward simultaneously with vertical expansion, thus dynamically adjusting the deployment sequence to prevent chest compression while maintaining vertical coverage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the airbag deploys forward after having deployed in the up-down direction, then the deployment sequence is controlled, but the upper arm of the occupant is pushed against the chest causing compression
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is segmented into upper and lower deployment zones with distinct folding patterns. The upper end part's second folding pattern enables it to deploy forward simultaneously with vertical expansion, rather than deploying forward after vertical deployment. This segmentation prevents the harmful effect of the upper arm being pushed against the chest by ensuring forward deployment occurs concurrently with vertical deployment, not sequentially after it.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding patterns are pre-designed during manufacturing to ensure that the upper end part of the airbag is prepared for simultaneous forward and vertical deployment. The second folding pattern in the upper end part pre-positions the airbag material to enable forward expansion to occur at the same time as vertical expansion, preventing the subsequent forward push that would compress the chest.
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 airbag deploys more reliably and rapidly, reducing the risk of chest compression and ensuring timely protection of the occupant by minimizing contact with vehicle components, suitable for vehicles with limited space.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator including a supply port for supplying gas and configured to supply gas into the airbag
Data Source
AI summary
The side airbag device includes an airbag in a folded state, including a pair of sheets provided facing each other, and an inflator including a supply port for supplying gas and configured to supply gas into the airbag. The airbag, with the pair of sheets deployed, includes a first portion including one end of the sheets in a first direction, a second portion including the other end, a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion, and a fourth portion positioned between the first portion and the third portion. The airbag is folded into a first state with the first portion and the fourth portion positioned between a pair of sheet parts corresponding to a part of the pair of sheets and included in the third portion, and further folded into a second state with a part of the pair of sheet parts arranged to sandwich the first portion and the fourth portion, folded with an accordion fold in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The supply port is arranged between another part of the pair of sheet parts.