Steering-Linked Airbag Retainer for Motorcycle Rider Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing airbag deployment systems for saddle-type vehicles often result in the airbag deviating from the passenger's position when the vehicle turns, due to the fixed deployment position not adjusting with steering handle movements.
Innovation Solution
The airbag device incorporates a retainer system coupled to extending portions from the steering shaft and head pipe, utilizing link members to move the retainer left or right with handle steering, ensuring the airbag deploys facing the passenger, and is compactly designed to maintain axial alignment with the steering shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an airbag device is installed on a saddle-type vehicle, then rider protection in case of collision is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag device is divided into multiple independent components: an airbag unit with separate inflation and exhaust paths, a control unit with collision sensors and pressure sensors, and a power supply unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust path is extracted as a separate component from the airbag unit, with dedicated exhaust ports and control mechanisms. This extraction allows for independent control of inflation and deflation processes, improving both safety and device complexity management.
2Reliability
If a large airbag is used to protect the rider's body, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the volume and weight of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag device transitions from a static state to a dynamic inflated state only when collision is detected. The airbag expands to full size momentarily during collision to provide protection, then deflates to minimize volume and weight during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag operates in periodic cycles of inflation and deflation based on collision detection. The control unit manages periodic activation and deactivation, allowing the large airbag to provide protection only when needed while maintaining small overall device volume.
3Speed
If the airbag is inflated quickly to protect the rider, then response time is improved, but the force generated may cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system incorporates beforehand cushioning through controlled inflation rates and staged deployment. The airbag begins inflating immediately upon collision detection but controls the rate of expansion to avoid creating harmful forces, and includes exhaust paths that can quickly release pressure if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts inflation parameters including gas flow rate, inflation duration, and pressure levels based on collision severity. This parameter control allows quick inflation for protection while preventing excessive forces that could cause injury to the rider.
4Reliability
If the airbag remains inflated continuously, then protection is maintained, but energy consumption increases and response to subsequent collisions is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag operates on a periodic basis, remaining inflated only during and immediately after a collision event. The control unit manages periodic inflation and deflation cycles, consuming energy only when protection is needed rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting collisions and initiating inflation before the rider can be injured. The airbag inflates in advance during the collision event, providing protection during the critical impact period, then deflates to conserve energy for potential subsequent collisions.
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
This configuration allows the airbag to deploy facing the passenger during turns, enhancing safety by adjusting its deployment position with handle steering, while maintaining a compact and rigid structure to effectively receive the passenger.
Implementation Method 1
a collision detection sensor that detects a collision between the saddle-type vehicle and another object
Implementation Method 2
a pressure detection sensor that detects internal pressure
Implementation Method 3
a blowing agent that inflates the airbag
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an airbag device for a saddle-type vehicle capable of causing an airbag to be deployed such that the airbag faces a passenger in response to steering of a handle. In an airbag device 50, a retainer 51 is disposed behind a head pipe 14. The retainer 51 is coupled to an upper backward extending portion 68 extending backward from a steering shaft 20 that is turnably supported by the head pipe 14 and a lower backward extending portion 69 extending backward from the head pipe 14. Also, the retainer 51 moves to left or right in response to steering of a handle 23.