Side Impact Airbag with Adaptive Outflow Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing side impact restraint devices fail to adapt effectively to the physique of occupants, resulting in inconsistent protection due to fixed gas bag designs that do not account for variations in body size.

Innovation Solution

A side impact restraint device with strategically positioned outflow openings in the gas bag that adjust internal pressure based on occupant size, combined with a widened lower section and a deflection arrangement to direct gas flow away from the occupant, allowing for individual adaptation of the restraint effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed gas bag design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the restraint effect cannot adapt to different occupant physiques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to occupant physiqueVSAvoidgas bag structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas bag is designed with different sections having different widths - a narrower upper section at chest level and a wider lower section at pelvic level. This local differentiation allows the gas bag to better conform to various occupant body shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gas bag incorporates outflow openings that enable dynamic adaptation of internal pressure based on occupant size. Small occupants leave the outflow opening exposed, allowing gas escape and lower pressure, while large occupants cover the opening, maintaining higher pressure. This dynamic pressure regulation provides adaptive restraint without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If the gas bag internal pressure is increased for large occupants, then the restraint effect is improved, but the gas bag may become too rigid for small occupants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint forceVSAvoidpressure adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The outflow opening position is strategically located in the upper section of the gas bag at a height between 400-550mm from the seat surface. This parameter positioning ensures that small occupants do not cover the opening, allowing continuous gas escape and maintaining lower, more comfortable pressure, while large occupants naturally cover it, trapping gas and increasing pressure for enhanced restraint force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the gas bag unfolds quickly to provide immediate protection, then the response time is reduced, but the gas flow may directly impact the occupant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas bag inflation speedVSAvoidgas impact on occupant

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A deflection arrangement is introduced that redirects the outflowing gas in a direction away from the occupant. This spatial redirection resolves the conflict between rapid inflation for immediate protection and preventing harmful gas impact on the occupant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7475904B2Side impact restraint device

Publication Date: 2009.01.13 ZF AUTOMOTIVE GERMANY GMBH

AI summary

A side impact restraint device for protection of an occupant (20a; 20b), sitting on a vehicle seat (10) in a motor vehicle, includes a gas bag (14). The gas bag (14) unfolds between a lateral structure (12) of the vehicle and the occupant (20a; 20b). The gas bag has an outflow opening (24) which is arranged in a region (26) of the gas bag (14) facing the occupant (20a: 20b). The vertical position of the outflow opening (24) is selected so that it is not covered by the upper body of a small occupant (20a).