Side Airbag Device with Nested Chamber Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side airbag devices face challenges in compactification and achieving optimal deployment speed and occupant protection performance, particularly in stabilizing deployment behavior and shape, while effectively restraining occupants during lateral vehicle impacts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a side airbag device featuring a second chamber deployed inside the side support, configured with upper and lower regions that protrude towards the front, and a rectifying member to control gas flow, ensuring prompt occupant restraint and minimizing rearward force generation, along with a baffle plate for easy gas venting and chamber stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a side airbag device is provided with an auxiliary airbag to improve occupant restraint, then occupant protection performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary airbag and primary airbag into a single integrated side airbag device structure, where both airbags share common mounting space and deployment mechanisms. This merging approach maintains the dual-stage restraint function while reducing overall device complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary airbag is positioned to deploy first and create a preliminary restraint structure, followed by the primary airbag deployment. The nested deployment sequence allows the smaller auxiliary airbag to be contained within or adjacent to the larger primary airbag structure, optimizing space utilization while maintaining both restraint functions.
2Volume of moving object
If the installation region is largely restricted, then compactification is required, but this limits the space available for proper airbag deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag device utilizes the vertical dimension by having the auxiliary airbag deploy upward toward the head and upper torso, while the primary airbag deploys forward toward the lower torso. This multi-dimensional deployment strategy maximizes the use of limited installation space while ensuring both airbags have sufficient room to achieve their protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The side airbag device is segmented into two distinct functional chambers: an auxiliary airbag for upper body protection and a primary airbag for lower body protection. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific deployment direction and protective function, enabling compact packaging while maintaining effective deployment performance.
3Volume of moving object
If the second chamber is deployed at an inward side of the first chamber, then compactification is achieved, but stabilizing deployment behavior and shape becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the airbag device. The auxiliary airbag (second chamber) is designed with specific structural features optimized for upward deployment toward the head, while the primary airbag (first chamber) has structural features optimized for forward deployment toward the lower torso. These localized structural qualities ensure stable and predictable deployment behavior for each chamber despite the compact nested arrangement.
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 solution enhances occupant protection by promptly restraining the head and waist, improving initial-stage restraint and stabilizing the airbag deployment shape and behavior, while allowing smooth gas flow for efficient deployment.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator 30 that supplies inflation gas to the airbags 34 and 36
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion (2), a seat back (1) having a side support, a frame sidewall in the side support, and a side airbag device. The side airbag device has an airbag (20) in the side support, and an inflator for supplying a gas to the airbag. The airbag has a first chamber (34) to be deployed toward a vehicle front side, a second chamber (36), and an inner vent hole (V34C, V34d) at a partition between the first and second chambers. The second chamber starts to be deployed prior to the deployment of the first chamber. The gas flows from the second chamber to the first chamber via the inner vent hole. When the second chamber is deployed, at least one of an upper region or a lower region of the second chamber protrudes toward the vehicle front side than a middle region of the second chamber