Two-Chamber Side Airbag Pressure Layout for Variable Seating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current side airbag modules are not adequately flexible to support vehicle occupants in varying seating positions, particularly as autonomous and automated driving scenarios increase the diversity of seating arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A side airbag module with two fluidically connected chambers, where the first chamber provides a higher initial pressure to act as a pusher and the second chamber adjusts to a lower pressure for body protection, allowing the airbag to adapt to different seating positions by being integrated into the vehicle seat, with options for partition walls or seams for separation and gas generators for pressure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-chamber side airbag is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different seating positions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different seating positionsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side airbag is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber that are fluidically connected. The first chamber can be inflated to a first pressure independently, and the second chamber can be inflated to a second pressure independently or together with the first chamber. This segmentation allows different pressure levels and inflation patterns to adapt to various seating positions and occupancy scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag system implements dynamic pressure control with two distinct pressure levels (first pressure and second pressure) that can be applied selectively. The control unit can inflate the chambers in different sequences and to different pressures based on detected seating conditions, making the airbag response adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If high pressure is applied in the airbag chamber, then the pusher function is effective, but the comfort for head support is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepusher forceVSAvoiddiscomfort to occupant

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different chambers are assigned different pressure levels and functions. The first chamber operates at a higher first pressure to provide an effective pusher function that moves the occupant away from side structures. The second chamber operates at a lower second pressure to provide comfortable head and body support without causing discomfort or injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag is segmented into functional zones with different pressure characteristics. The first chamber provides high-pressure pusher action, while the second chamber provides low-pressure support, allowing both forceful protection and comfortable support to coexist in the same airbag system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the airbag is integrated into the vehicle seat, then the adaptability to seating positions improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration with seating positionsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The side airbag module is integrated with the vehicle seat structure, combining the airbag chambers with the seat's existing framework. This merging allows the airbag to automatically adapt to the seating position and occupancy without requiring separate mounting structures or complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated airbag maintains internal segmentation into fluidically connected first and second chambers, allowing complex functionality to be achieved within the integrated structure without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 module effectively supports both shoulder and head areas of vehicle occupants by maintaining internal pressure for protection, ensuring safety across different seating configurations and driving situations.

Implementation Method 1

the first chamber and the second chamber being separated from each other by a partition wall disposed inside the side airbag, wherein an overflow opening constituting the fluid communication is provided in the partition wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Implementation Method 2

the side airbag module includes a gas generator that is fluidically connected to the first chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas generation:

Data Source

PatentUS12162421B2Side airbag module, vehicle seat, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 ZF AUTOMOTIVE GERMANY GMBH

AI summary

A side airbag module (24) for a restraint device has a side airbag (26), in particular a seat-integrated side airbag (26), wherein the side airbag (26) includes at least a first chamber (32) and at least a second chamber (34) provided above the first chamber (32) which are fluidically connected to each other via a fluid communication, and wherein, in a first activated state of the side airbag module (24), a first pressure (p1) prevails in the first chamber (32) and, in a second activated state, a second pressure (p2) prevails in the first chamber (32) and in the second chamber (34), the first pressure (p1) being higher than the second pressure (p2).