Tether Systems for Inflatable Curtain Cushions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inflatable airbag systems face challenges in effectively stabilizing and tensioning the inflatable curtain cushion during deployment, particularly in mitigating occupant ejection risks during rollover events, as existing tether systems may not provide sufficient tension to prevent ejection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tether system comprising a tether strap, anchor, and sliding member, which is configured to tension the inflatable curtain cushion, allowing it to be packaged by rolling or folding, and deployed to position between occupants and vehicle pillars, thereby reducing the risk of ejection by maintaining tension during deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tether system is added to tension the inflatable curtain cushion, then occupant ejection risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tether strap is integrated within the inflatable cushion structure, with the strap running through or along the cushion body. This nesting approach allows the tether system to be housed within the existing cushion form factor, adding ejection prevention functionality without significantly increasing external complexity or requiring separate mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether system combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the tether strap provides both structural support and ejection prevention, the sliding member enables both deployment control and tension maintenance, and the anchor integrates with the vehicle structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Volume of moving object
If the inflatable cushion is packaged by rolling or folding, then installation space is reduced, but deployment reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tether system incorporates a sliding member that dynamically adjusts the tether strap length during deployment. When the cushion is packaged in a compact rolled or folded state, the sliding member allows the strap to be stored in a condensed configuration. Upon deployment, the sliding member enables the strap to extend and maintain proper tension, ensuring reliable cushion positioning regardless of the initial packaged state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the tether strap from a condensed, packaged configuration to an extended, tensioned deployment configuration. The sliding member facilitates this parameter change by allowing the strap to transition between different lengths and tension states, enabling the cushion to be stored in a small volume while maintaining deployment reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tether strap is made adjustable to accommodate different packaging configurations, then packaging flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding member enables the tether strap to be self-adjusting during deployment. Rather than requiring precise pre-manufacturing of the strap to a specific length, the system allows the strap to automatically find its correct effective length through the sliding mechanism. The strap can be manufactured with standard tolerances, and the sliding member provides the fine-adjustment capability needed for different packaging and deployment scenarios, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining packaging flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a tether system for use in a vehicle. The airbag and the tether are configured such that upon airbag deployment the tether applies sufficient tension to the cushion to mitigate occupant ejection from the vehicle.