Deployable Side Airbag Tray for Far-Side Occupant Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side airbag systems struggle to effectively control occupant kinematics during far-side vehicle impacts, particularly when an occupant is positioned between seats, as they are not designed to deploy and inflate in a manner that optimally positions the airbag to absorb and redirect impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A side airbag assembly with a tray mechanism that moves from an undeployed to a deployed position, supported by a track and actuated by a pyrotechnic actuator, allowing the airbag to be positioned away from the seatback frame for optimal inflation and absorption of impact forces, constrained by a second wall to control movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag is positioned away from the seatback frame during deployment, then occupant protection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the tray and actuator system
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag assembly transitions from a static mounted position to a dynamic deployable position using a tray mechanism with actuators. The tray can move between retracted and deployed positions, allowing the airbag to be positioned away from the seatback frame during deployment to improve occupant protection while maintaining a compact appearance during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag assembly is divided into separate functional components: the airbag itself, the tray that supports and positions it, and the actuator system that controls movement. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables the complex deployment function while maintaining structural organization.
2Reliability
If the airbag is positioned away from the seatback frame, then kinematic control is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic tray mechanism that can position the airbag at different locations relative to the seatback frame. During deployment, the tray moves to position the airbag for optimal kinematic control of the occupant, while during manufacturing, the modular design allows for standardized assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray acts as an intermediary component between the seatback frame and the airbag, providing a standardized interface that simplifies manufacturing. The actuator system serves as another intermediary that enables controlled movement without requiring direct complex integration between the airbag and frame.
3Reliability
If the tray moves the airbag from undeployed to deployed position, then occupant protection is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray mechanism provides dynamic repositioning capability, moving the airbag from a retracted position during normal operation to a deployed position during impact. This dynamic adjustment enhances occupant protection by optimizing airbag placement while maintaining a clean appearance during non-deployment states.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is pre-positioned and pre-configured on the tray, ready to activate immediately upon detection of an impact condition. This preliminary preparation ensures rapid deployment while consolidating complex components into a pre-assembled unit that simplifies the overall system integration.
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
Enhances the ability of the airbag to control occupant kinematics during far-side impacts by positioning the airbag for maximum effectiveness, reducing injury risk through precise deployment and inflation mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator is between the seatback frame and the tray to move the tray from the undeployed position to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
The side airbag controls the kinematics of the occupant in vehicle impacts that urge the occupant in a cross-vehicle direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a side airbag assembly including a tray and an airbag. The vehicle includes a vehicle seat that includes a seatback frame having an outboard side and an inboard side spaced from the outboard side in an inboard direction. The vehicle seat includes a tray supported by the seatback frame. The tray is movable relative to the seatback frame in the inboard direction from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The vehicle seat includes an airbag supported by the tray and movable with the tray from the undeployed position to the deployed position.