Slidable Track Airbag for Vehicle Opening Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle designs lack effective solutions to protect occupants from ejection through openings during impacts, particularly in vehicles with removable panels, as existing airbag systems are not adequately designed to cover these openings.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an inflatable airbag system supported by the vehicle body and slidably engaged with tracks, activated by pyrotechnic devices, which expands across openings to cover them and control occupant kinematics during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional airbag systems are used in vehicles with removable panels, then the vehicle maintains aesthetic and driving appeal through openable openings, but occupants are at risk of ejection through these openings during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system transitions from a static, pre-positioned configuration to a dynamic system that deploys and moves to cover openings only when needed. The airbag is slidably engaged with tracks that allow it to dynamically reposition across the vehicle body to cover various opening locations, providing adaptive protection while maintaining vehicle aesthetic appeal during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag protection system adds a new spatial dimension to safety by utilizing track-guided movement across the vehicle body surface. Instead of fixed three-point deployment, the airbag can slide along tracks to cover openings in multiple locations, effectively adding a lateral movement dimension to the traditional inflation-only airbag approach.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If airbags are designed to cover openings in vehicles with removable panels, then occupant protection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to tracks and slidable engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable airbag system serves multiple functions: it provides protection for openings in vehicles with removable panels, maintains vehicle aesthetic appeal by allowing panel removal, and can adapt to different opening locations through track-guided movement. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by solving multiple problems with a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the airbag to move and position itself without requiring complex active control systems. The tracks provide a simple, passive guidance structure that allows the airbag to slide to the appropriate position, reducing the overall system complexity compared to actively controlled positioning mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If airbags are made slidable along tracks to cover openings, then the airbag can effectively cover various opening positions, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for track and airbag alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct components: the airbag, the track structure, and the connection mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together. The track can be manufactured as a separate precision component that guides the airbag, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to integrating all features into a single complex part.
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 airbag system effectively covers vehicle openings upon inflation, reducing the risk of occupant ejection and enhancing safety by controlling kinematics within the vehicle during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic device supported by the vehicle body and connected to the airbag, wherein the airbag is slidable along the track by the pyrotechnic device to the inflated position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle body having an opening. The assembly includes a track supported by the vehicle body. The track extends along the opening. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the vehicle body. The airbag is slidably engaged with the track. The airbag is inflatable across the opening and along the track to an inflated position. The assembly includes a pyrotechnic device supported by the vehicle body and connected to the airbag. The airbag is slidable along the track by the pyrotechnic device to the inflated position.