Side Airbag Pressure Reducing Portion and Support Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side airbag apparatuses may not effectively prevent the arm of an occupant from applying pressure onto the thorax or abdomen when the arm is offset downward from the pressure reducing portion, as the area with sufficient thickness is limited, leading to inadequate protection.
Innovation Solution
A side airbag apparatus with a looped pressure reducing portion and a support joint portion is designed, where the pressure reducing portion limits the airbag's thickness at the arm position, and the support joint portion is located below and behind the pressure reducing portion to project towards it, ensuring the airbag does not press the arm inward, even if it is offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the area of the pressure reducing portion is enlarged, then the protection against arm pressure is improved, but the area with sufficient thickness for protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution: a pressure reducing portion with limited thickness at the arm contact position, and a protection portion with sufficient thickness at the thorax/abdomen position. This local differentiation allows the same airbag structure to simultaneously prevent arm pressure on vital organs while maintaining adequate protective cushioning where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag is segmented into functionally distinct regions: the pressure reducing portion (with joined inner and outer fabric portions limiting thickness) and the protection portion (with sufficient thickness for impact absorption). This segmentation enables each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the thickness of the airbag at the arm position is limited, then the arm is prevented from pressing inward, but the protection area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag implements localized thickness control by joining the inner and outer fabric portions only at the pressure reducing portion corresponding to the arm position. This creates a local thinning effect that prevents arm intrusion while the rest of the airbag maintains full thickness for comprehensive protection of the thorax and abdomen.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the two-dimensional conflict between pressure reduction and protection area by introducing a spatial dimension: the thickness variation is concentrated in a specific vertical zone (pressure reducing portion) while the horizontal protection coverage remains extensive. This dimensional localization allows simultaneous achievement of both goals.
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 effectively prevents the arm from applying excessive pressure on the thorax or abdomen, enhancing the occupant's protection by ensuring the airbag's thickness is managed to maintain proper deployment and distribution of force, even when the arm is offset.
Implementation Method 1
the inflator of the side airbag apparatus supplies inflation gas into the airbag. The inflation gas inflates and deploys the airbag in the forward direction of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The pressure reducing portion limiting a thickness of the airbag in a widthwise direction of the vehicle at a position corresponding to an arm of the occupant, thereby preventing the airbag from pressing the arm inward
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure reducing portion is formed by joining two fabric portions at a position corresponding to an occupant's arm. The pressure reducing portion limits the thickness of the airbag in the widthwise direction of a vehicle and prevents the arm from being pressed inward in the widthwise direction. A support joint portion joins the fabric portions at a position below the lower end of the pressure reducing portion and behind the front end of the pressure reducing portion when the airbag is arranged in such a manner that a linear portion of the airbag extends vertically. The support joint portion projects toward the pressure reducing portion beyond the line including the lower end of the airbag and the lower end of the linear portion. The end of the support joint portion located close to the pressure reducing portion is located below the lower end of the pressure reducing portion.