Deployable Airbag Panel Assembly for Windshield-Independent Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag systems in vehicles face design constraints due to the need for the airbag to inflate against the windshield, limiting the positioning of the windshield and its angle, as the airbag must use a windshield as a reaction surface during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A deployable panel assembly that includes a tether connected to the airbag and a deployable panel, which rotates and moves from an undeployed to a deployed position as the airbag inflates, guiding the airbag's inflation and acting as a reaction surface, allowing the airbag to be positioned vehicle-rearward of the windshield without relying on the windshield for deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag uses the windshield as a reaction surface during deployment, then the airbag can be reliably positioned and deployed, but the windshield's position and angle are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
A deployable panel assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the airbag and the windshield. The panel includes a reaction surface that serves as the deployment surface for the airbag, while the panel itself can be positioned and oriented independently of the windshield. This intermediary structure allows the airbag to achieve reliable deployment without constraining the windshield's position or angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system is segmented into separate functional components: the windshield remains as the protective barrier, while the deployable panel assembly becomes a separate deployment mechanism. The panel can be independently positioned, angled, and deployed, allowing the windshield to maintain its primary structural and protective functions without being constrained by airbag deployment requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag is positioned vehicle-rearward of the windshield, then design constraints on the windshield are reduced, but the airbag needs a new reaction surface for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable panel assembly incorporates movable and rotatable components that allow dynamic positioning and deployment. The panel can be stored in a compact configuration and then deployed to the required position and orientation when needed. This dynamic capability enables the airbag to be positioned flexibly while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable panel assembly can be nested or folded into a compact configuration when not in use, integrating smoothly into the vehicle's existing structure. The panel includes segments that can be folded or nested together, reducing space requirements and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to deploy when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a dash and a deployable panel. The deployable panel has a proximal end rotatably connected to the dash. The deployable panel is rotatable about the proximal end from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The proximal end is engaged with the dash in the deployed position and the deployable panel has a distal end spaced above the dash in the deployed position. An airbag is supported by the dash and is inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag has a back panel abutting the deployable panel in the inflated position and an impact panel opposite the back panel. A tether is connected to the deployable panel and the impact panel. The tether extends through the back panel from the deployable panel to the impact panel.