Side Airbag Inflator Placement and Inflation Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
In side airbag apparatuses with a main and auxiliary inflation portion, the auxiliary portion's reduced volume makes it difficult to accommodate the inflator, and the communication ports' location from the inflator's gas outlet slows down the inflation of the main portion during side collisions.
Innovation Solution
The airbag apparatus is designed with a main inflation portion that houses the inflator, featuring an inflation promoting structure that prioritizes the inflation of the auxiliary portion by positioning the inflator closer to communication ports, allowing for quicker inflation of the main portion and improved deployment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the inflator is placed in the auxiliary inflation portion to prioritize its inflation, then the auxiliary portion can be inflated preferentially, but it becomes difficult to accommodate the inflator due to reduced volume
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into two separate inflation portions: the auxiliary inflation portion and the main inflation portion. This segmentation allows the inflator to be placed in the main portion while still achieving preferential inflation of the auxiliary portion through strategically positioned communication ports
Solution Approach 2:
Communication ports serve as intermediary channels that direct inflation gas from the inflator preferentially to the auxiliary inflation portion first, then to the main inflation portion, enabling controlled sequential inflation without placing the inflator in the auxiliary portion
2Ease of manufacture
If communication ports are positioned away from the inflator gas outlet, then the structure is simplified, but the inflation speed of the main inflation portion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication ports are positioned with different distances from the inflator gas outlet: the first communication port (connecting to auxiliary portion) is closer to the gas outlet, while the second communication port (connecting to main portion) is farther away. This local differentiation in positioning enables preferential gas flow to the auxiliary portion while maintaining structural feasibility
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 enhances the flexibility in inflator placement and accelerates the inflation of the auxiliary portion, ensuring effective deployment and protection of the occupant by enlarging the space between the occupant and the side wall, facilitating quicker inflation of the main portion.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator, which supplies inflation gas to the airbag
Implementation Method 2
The auxiliary inflation portion is inflated in the seat back with inflation gas from the inflator, thereby pushing the occupant toward an inner side of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag includes a main inflation portion, in which an inflator is arranged, and an auxiliary inflation portion, the volume of which is smaller than that of the main inflation portion. The main inflation portion is deployed forward in a space between an occupant and a side wall of the vehicle. Prior to the deployment of the main inflation portion outside the seat back, the auxiliary inflation portion is inflated inside the seat back with inflation gas from the inflator to push the occupant toward the inner side. The main inflation portion and the auxiliary inflation portion each have a communication port that connects the main inflation portion and the auxiliary inflation portion to each other. The airbag includes an inflation promoting structure, which promotes the inflation of the auxiliary inflation portion compared to the inflation of the main inflation portion.