Slidable Post Airbag Positioning for Wheelchair Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger vehicles are not designed to accommodate wheelchairs, requiring aftermarket modifications, and existing airbag systems do not effectively protect occupants in wheelchairs during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle assembly featuring a slidable post from the floor to the roof, supporting an airbag and seatbelt assembly, which adjusts to accommodate a wheelchair occupant, and a computer system that positions the post and inflates the airbag in response to impact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed airbag system is installed in production vehicles, then the airbag can provide supplemental restraint at fixed positions, but it cannot effectively protect wheelchair occupants whose positions vary
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position. The airbag is mounted on a post that can slide along a track to reposition itself based on the detected wheelchair location, allowing the restraint system to adapt to varying occupant positions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect the presence and position of wheelchairs, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the airbag to automatically adjust its position to provide optimal protection for wheelchair occupants, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity through intelligent control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is modified with a lift to load wheelchairs, then wheelchair loading is enabled, but the vehicle still lacks the ability to accommodate wheelchair occupants for seating
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable post assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the airbag for restraint, provides structural anchoring points, and enables positioning adjustments. This multi-functional design allows the vehicle to accommodate wheelchair occupants effectively without requiring numerous separate modifications, thereby increasing versatility while controlling overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If airbags are mounted at fixed positions on the dash or roof rails, then the airbag system is simple to install, but it cannot provide effective protection to occupants in wheelchairs who are positioned differently from traditional seat occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system performs self-positioning by detecting the wheelchair location through sensors and automatically adjusting its position via the slidable post mechanism. This eliminates the need for manual positioning adjustment by the user, maintaining ease of operation while achieving comprehensive coverage for wheelchair occupants
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
Enables safe ingress and egress of wheelchair occupants and provides effective kinematic control during impacts by positioning the airbag and seatbelt assembly to match the wheelchair's location, enhancing safety and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
In the event of an impact, an inflator activates and provides inflation medium to the airbags, and the airbags pressurize and act as supplemental restraints for occupants during the impact
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle roof and a vehicle floor spaced from the vehicle roof. The assembly includes a post elongated from the vehicle floor to the vehicle roof. The post being slidable along the vehicle roof and the vehicle floor in a vehicle-longitudinal direction. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the post.