Staged Inflation Side Airbag Module for Motor Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side impact airbag systems inflate suddenly and uniformly, which may not provide adequate protection, especially for the head and thorax, particularly in 'out of position' scenarios, and do not achieve rapid deployment.
Innovation Solution
A side impact airbag module with a gas generator connected via a feed tube featuring spaced gas outlet openings, allowing for staged inflation of airbag chambers, forming a frame-like gas cushion for quicker restraint, using three fabric layers connected alternately and forming honeycomb-like structures for rapid inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag is inflated suddenly and uniformly using a single gas outlet opening, then the inflation is simple and fast, but the protective effect is insufficient especially for head and thorax in out of position scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) with different inflation timings. The feed tube is segmented with multiple gas outlet openings positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows different regions of the airbag to inflate at different times, providing staged protection for head and thorax areas while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first chamber is inflated first as a preliminary action to provide immediate protection for critical areas (head and thorax) before the other chambers are fully inflated. This preliminary inflation ensures that protective effect is achieved rapidly for out of position occupants while the complete airbag deployment follows subsequently.
2Speed
If the airbag uses two fabric layers connected by sewing and bonding, then the structure is simple, but the inflation speed is insufficient for rapid deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag structure is segmented into three fabric layers instead of two, creating multiple chambers between the layers. This segmentation allows gas to flow through defined paths between chambers, enabling faster and more controlled inflation while maintaining structural integrity through the layered construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing gas through multiple outlet openings in the feed tube that direct gas flow into different chambers. The gas pressure dynamics are optimized to inflate chambers in a specific sequence, achieving rapid deployment through controlled pneumatic expansion of the multi-chamber structure.
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 staged inflation provides a stronger gas cushion for faster protective effects, restraining the head and thorax even before central chambers are fully filled, achieving rapid deployment and enhanced protection.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-generating material is accommodated in an inflating device for the airbag, which is ignited if a sensor detects an impact, whereby a large volume of gas is released and streams into a gas outlet conduit
Implementation Method 2
The airbag, especially according to DE 42 23 620 A1 and in general, consists of two fabric layers, whose circumferential edges are connected with each other, for example by sewing and/or bonding
Data Source
AI summary
A side impact airbag module for a motor vehicle having an airbag. The airbag is inflatable by a gas generator and unfolds in a flat fashion. The gas generator is connected with the airbag by a feed tube. The airbag module is designed for installation in a door of the motor vehicle. The side airbag module includes a feed tube that has two gas outlet openings or gas outlet areas spaced at a distance from one another, and situated in the area of where the end airbag chambers are formed. The end airbag chambers have filling openings that are situated immediately above the gas outlet openings of the feed tube. The airbag has one or more middle chambers connected for gas flow between the end chambers.