Integrated Side Bolster Guide Plate for Airbag Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat side bolster systems with separate components for adjusting the side bolster and guiding the side airbag direction increase the number of parts, complexity, and manufacturing costs, and may not effectively direct the side airbag to protect the passenger during collisions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated side bolster adjusting apparatus with side airbag developing direction guide plates and pneumatic control units that adjust the side bolster position to guide the airbag in a protective direction, using a combination of fixed and hinged components and a pneumatic system for expansion and shrinkage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for side bolster adjustment and side airbag direction guidance, then each component can be optimized independently, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the side bolster adjustment device and the side airbag direction guidance device into a single integrated structure. The guide plate is formed as one piece with the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining both functions. This merging resolves the contradiction by reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while preserving the reliability benefits of optimized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guide plate structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the side airbag deployment direction and provides side bolster adjustment capability. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional optimization.
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for side bolster adjustment and side airbag direction guidance, then each component can be optimized independently, but assembling process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the adjustment device and guide plate into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates multiple assembly steps. The integrated structure requires fewer fastening operations and reduces assembly complexity, directly addressing the manufacturing ease concern while preserving the reliability advantages of optimized component design.
3Device complexity
If no device guides the side airbag development, then the structure is simpler, but the side airbag may develop toward the center pillar or inward making passenger protection ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate acts as an intermediary structure that directs the side airbag deployment path. By introducing this guiding element, the patent ensures the airbag develops in the correct direction toward the passenger while maintaining relatively simple overall structure. The guide plate mediates between the airbag and the seat structure, preventing unwanted deployment directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guide plate structure utilizes the existing side bolster adjustment mechanism to simultaneously provide airbag guidance functionality. This self-service approach allows the structure to guide the airbag without requiring entirely separate dedicated guidance components, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring reliable passenger protection.
4Reliability
If separate devices are used for side bolster adjustment and side airbag direction guidance, then each component can be optimized independently, but manufacturing costs should be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate components into one integrated part, which reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability benefits of optimized design through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a multi-functional integrated component that performs both side bolster adjustment and airbag guidance, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components. This universality reduces overall manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to optimize each function within the unified design framework.
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 integrated system reduces part count, manufacturing costs, and assembly complexity while ensuring the side airbag is directed to protect the passenger, providing enhanced seating comfort and effective cushioning during side collisions.
Implementation Method 1
an airbag disposed between the side airbag developing direction guide plates and the side bolster adjusting plates to expand and shrink
Data Source
AI summary
A side bolster adjusting apparatus of a seat of a vehicle for guiding a developing direction of a side airbag may include a side airbag developing direction guide plates integrally fixed to a seatback frame to guide a developing direction of the side airbag, side bolster adjusting plates hinged to rear ends of the side airbag developing direction guide plates, an airbag disposed between the side airbag developing direction guide plates and the side bolster adjusting plates to expand and shrink and to adjust positions of the side bolster adjusting plates, and a pneumatic control unit controlling expansion and shrinkage of the airbag.