Side Airbag Wrapper Assembly for Slim Seat-Frame Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side airbag assemblies face challenges in optimizing the use of limited packing space and deploying effectively in small spaces between the vehicle frame and inner structure, due to their conventional shape and attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A long and slim airbag package design with a single-piece wrapper that serves both to maintain the package shape and attach it to the frame, utilizing attachment wrappers to compress and secure the package, and additional features like seams or tags to keep the package rolled, allowing for efficient deployment and reduced space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional airbag package shape is used, then the airbag can be easily manufactured and attached, but the packing space is not optimized and deployment space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag package is segmented into multiple functional zones including a compressed storage section and an expansion section, allowing optimized packing arrangement while maintaining deployment effectiveness. The package is divided into longitudinal sections with different compression ratios to maximize space utilization in limited vehicle interior spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag package transitions from a conventional three-dimensional volumetric shape to a predominantly two-dimensional flattened configuration during storage. This dimensional reduction allows the airbag to be packed in thin spaces between the seat frame and vehicle interior structures, optimizing use of available packing space while maintaining the ability to expand to full three-dimensional form during deployment.
2Reliability
If multiple separate wrappers are used to attach the airbag package, then the attachment is secure, but the device complexity increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate wrapper components are merged into a single integrated wrapper structure that performs multiple attachment functions simultaneously. This single wrapper includes integrated attachment points, compression elements, and positioning features that previously required separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment of the airbag package to the seat frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wrapper structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an attachment mechanism and a compression element. It simultaneously secures the airbag package to the frame, maintains the compressed state during storage, and provides structural support during deployment, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Volume of moving object
If the airbag package is compressed to save space, then packing space is optimized, but the airbag may bend or deform incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag package is pre-compressed and pre-positioned in a predetermined orientation during manufacturing. The wrapper is pre-formed with integrated positioning elements that guide the airbag into the correct orientation before final attachment to the seat frame. This preliminary action ensures proper orientation is established before the airbag is installed in the vehicle, preventing bending or deformation during subsequent handling and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapper acts as an intermediary element between the compressed airbag package and the seat frame. It provides a stable interface that maintains the airbag's compressed state while preventing unintended bending through integrated support structures and positioning features. The wrapper mediates the transition from compressed storage state to deployed state, ensuring proper orientation throughout the process.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly with a vehicles seat and a side airbag assembly is described. The vehicle seat has a seat-ing and a backrest comprising a frame. The side airbag assembly is attached to a side portion of the frame and comprises a side airbag being at least partially rolled to an airbag package in the not deployed state and extending from a rear end to front end in the deployed state. The airbag assembly further comprises at least one wrapper extending at least partially around at least a section of the airbag package. The airbag package has a length and a maximum thickness. The at least one wrapper ex-tends from a first end being attached to the side airbag at the rear end of the side airbag to a second end.