Side Airbag Restriction Portion Inflation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side airbag apparatuses fail to effectively move occupants inward during a side collision due to the auxiliary inflation portion entering the gap between the outer side frame and pressure receiving plate, reducing the reaction force and movement of the occupant.
Innovation Solution
A side airbag apparatus with a restriction portion, such as an outer tension belt, is implemented to prevent the auxiliary inflation portion from inflating into the gap between the outer side frame and middle portion of the seat back, ensuring it pushes the occupant inward efficiently before the main inflation portion deploys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the auxiliary inflation portion is allowed to inflate freely in the outer side portion of the seat back, then the inflation space is sufficient, but the auxiliary inflation portion enters the gap between the outer side frame portion and pressure receiving plate, reducing the reaction force needed to push the occupant inward
Solution Approach 1:
The outer side portion of the seat back is divided into two distinct regions: an inflation region where the auxiliary inflation portion expands, and a non-inflation region (gap area) where inflation is prohibited. This segmentation is achieved through the restriction portion that defines the boundaries of the inflation region, ensuring the auxiliary inflation portion remains confined to the area that generates effective reaction force for pushing the occupant inward.
Solution Approach 2:
Different functional properties are assigned to different regions of the outer side portion. The inflation region is designed to accommodate and expand the auxiliary inflation portion with optimal pressure characteristics, while the non-inflation region (gap between frame and pressure receiving plate) is designated as an area where inflation should be prevented. This local differentiation ensures that inflation occurs only where it produces useful protective effect.
2Ease of manufacture
If the auxiliary inflation portion inflates rearward without restriction, then the inflation process is simple, but the occupant movement inward is insufficient due to reduced reaction force
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction portion acts as an intermediary element between the auxiliary inflation portion and the gap region. It mediates the inflation process by providing a physical barrier or directional guidance that prevents the auxiliary inflation portion from entering the gap, while still allowing the inflation to proceed effectively in the intended direction (forward and inward) to push the occupant safely.
3Device complexity
If no restriction portion is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the auxiliary inflation portion cannot be prevented from entering the gap, reducing the bulging effect and occupant movement
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction portion is pre-installed in the seat back structure before the collision occurs. It is positioned in advance to define the inflation region boundaries and prevent the auxiliary inflation portion from entering the gap during the inflation process. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the auxiliary inflation portion inflates during a collision, it automatically follows the predetermined path that generates effective reaction force without requiring real-time control or adjustment.
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 restriction portion effectively enhances the reaction force of the auxiliary inflation portion, ensuring it pushes the occupant inward and enlarges the space between the occupant and the side wall, facilitating the deployment of the main inflation portion.
Implementation Method 1
the auxiliary inflation portion is configured to be inflated in the seat back by the inflation gas from the inflator, thereby pushing the occupant toward an inner side of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The restriction portion restricts the auxiliary inflation portion from being inflated toward a gap that is between a rear end section in the outer side portion of the seat back and a rear end section in the middle portion of the seat back
Data Source
AI summary
A side airbag apparatus includes an inflator, an airbag having a main inflation portion and an auxiliary inflation portion, and a restriction portion. The main inflation portion is configured to be inflated by inflation gas supplied from the inflator and deployed forward in a space between a side wail of the vehicle and an occupant seated in a normal posture in a vehicle seat. The auxiliary inflation portion is configured to be inflated in a seat back by the inflation gas from the inflator, thereby pushing the occupant toward an inner side of the vehicle. The restriction portion restricts the auxiliary inflation portion from being inflated toward a gap that is between the rear end section in the outer side portion of the seat back and the rear end section in the middle portion of the seat back.