Sliding Vehicle Table Layout for Airbag Clearance in Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with a floor-mounted table between facing seats, there is a risk that a passenger's head may hit the tabletop during a front collision due to inertial movement, and the table can impede the inflation and expansion of the airbag.
Innovation Solution
A tabletop that slides forward during a front collision due to inertial force, increasing the distance between the passenger and the table, and an airbag that inflates in the enlarged space, preventing the head from hitting the table and ensuring proper expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the table is positioned close to the passenger seat, then the space utilization is improved, but the passenger's head may hit the tabletop during front collision
Solution Approach 1:
The tabletop is designed to slide forward relative to the table body during collision, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one. This allows the tabletop to move away from the passenger seat upon impact, reducing the risk of head injury while maintaining close positioning during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The table is divided into separate components: a fixed table body and a movable tabletop. The tabletop can slide forward on guide rails or tracks, separating the functions of space utilization (table body position) and collision protection (tabletop position)
Solution Approach 3:
The tabletop is pre-positioned to slide forward automatically upon collision detection or impact force, creating safety space before the passenger's head can contact it. This preliminary movement prevents the harmful effect before it occurs
2Area of stationary object
If the table is positioned close to the passenger seat, then the space utilization is improved, but the tabletop may impede the airbag inflation and expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The tabletop's ability to slide forward dynamically creates sufficient space for airbag deployment during collision. The movable design ensures that when airbag inflation is needed, the tabletop moves away to prevent interference, while maintaining close positioning during normal operation for space efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The tabletop slides forward in advance of airbag deployment, pre-establishing the necessary space for airbag inflation. This preliminary movement ensures that when the airbag activates, there is no obstruction from the tabletop
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
Prevents the passenger's head from hitting the tabletop and allows the airbag to effectively restrain the head and chest region, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring rapid inflation without interference.
Implementation Method 1
a tabletop structured so as to be able to slide toward a vehicle front side at a time of a front collision of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an airbag that inflates in the enlarged space, preventing the head from hitting the table and ensuring proper expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger protecting device of a vehicle with a table, that includes: a vehicle seat provided at a floor of a vehicle cabin; and a table provided at a vehicle front side of the vehicle seat, and having a tabletop structured so as to be able to slide toward a vehicle front side at a time of a front collision of a vehicle.