Side Airbag Tether System for Single Occupant Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional side airbag devices are ineffective in protecting a single occupant during a vehicle collision, as they fail to prevent collisions between occupants when only one person is seated, particularly in preventing head collisions.

Innovation Solution

A side airbag device featuring an inflator mounted to a seat frame, a cushion unit deployable by gas discharge, and a tether unit that encloses the cushion unit to reduce collision energy by guiding the cushion to incline towards the occupant, absorbing impact and preventing head collisions through a tether system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional side airbag device is used, then it can protect occupants in two-seat configurations, but it fails to effectively protect a single occupant when only one person sits on the seat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant protection coverageVSAvoidprotection effectiveness for single occupant

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag device incorporates a movable upper end that can dynamically adjust its position based on occupant presence. When a single occupant is detected, the upper end moves forward to provide appropriate protection, whereas in two-occupant scenarios, it maintains a retracted position to prevent inter-occupant collision. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between adapting to different occupancy configurations and maintaining reliable protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of the airbag's upper end based on detected occupancy conditions. By varying the extension position of the airbag cushion, the system adapts its protection characteristics to match the specific occupancy scenario, thereby achieving both versatility across different seating configurations and reliable protection for single occupants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the far side airbag is retained at a predetermined position after inflation, then it prevents collision between occupants in two-seat configurations, but it cannot effectively protect a single occupant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-occupant collision preventionVSAvoidprotection for different occupancy scenarios

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag upper end is designed to move between a retracted position (for two-occupant protection) and an extended position (for single-occupant protection). This dynamic positioning capability allows the same airbag structure to adapt to different occupancy scenarios, resolving the contradiction between preventing inter-occupant collisions and providing effective protection for single occupants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating a movable upper end that can serve different protective roles depending on occupancy detection. The same airbag cushion can prevent inter-occupant collisions when retracted and protect single occupants when extended, thereby eliminating the need for different airbag configurations for different seating scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 side airbag device effectively reduces collision energy and protects the occupant by ensuring the cushion unit encloses the head, thereby preventing impact and controlling movement, even when only one occupant is seated.

Implementation Method 1

an inflator mounted to a seat frame; a cushion unit covering the inflator and configured to be deployed by gas discharged from the inflator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas discharge:

Implementation Method 2

a tether unit mounted to the inflator and configured to enclose the cushion unit and reduce collision energy of the occupant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollision energy reduction: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10814824B2Side airbag device

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

AI summary

A side airbag device may include: an inflator mounted to a seat frame; a cushion unit covering the inflator and configured to be deployed by gas discharged from the inflator to protect a side portion of an occupant; and a tether unit mounted to the inflator and configured to enclose the cushion unit. The cushion unit may include: a cushion deployment part mounted to the inflator and configured to be deployed by gas discharged from the inflator; a cushion passing part formed in the cushion deployment part so that the tether unit passes through the cushion passing part; and a cushion penetration part formed in an upper end of the cushion deployment part so that the tether unit penetrates the cushion penetration part.