Tethered Ejection Mitigation Panel for Vehicle Window Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger airbag systems fail to effectively mitigate ejection of passengers through uncovered window openings during collisions or rollovers, requiring larger airbags and increased packaging space, which is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
An ejection mitigation system comprising an inflatable airbag with an attached tethered ejection mitigation panel that deploys to cover window openings, using a tether mechanism that tightens and unfolds to ensure full deployment across the window area, preventing passenger ejection without the need for larger airbags or inflators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger airbags are used to cover window openings and prevent passenger ejection, then ejection mitigation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the protective function into two separate components: an inflatable airbag for primary protection and a deployable panel for window coverage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the panel providing the necessary window coverage without requiring the airbag itself to be larger or more complex.
Solution Approach 2:
A deployable panel acts as an intermediary element between the airbag and the window opening. The panel is attached to the airbag assembly and deploys to cover the window area, serving as a mediator that provides the necessary coverage without requiring the airbag to directly cover the window opening.
2Reliability
If larger airbags are used to cover window openings, then ejection mitigation effectiveness is improved, but packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the protective system into a standard-sized airbag and a separate deployable panel, the packaging space requirements are reduced. The panel can be folded or rolled into a compact form when not in use, allowing it to be stored in the vehicle without significantly increasing packaging space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable panel transitions from a compact stored state to a deployed protective state. When deployed, the panel provides full window coverage; when not in use, it folds or rolls into a compact form that minimizes packaging space requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If the tether mechanism is designed to fully unfold and tighten across the window area, then coverage completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tether mechanism uses a flexible, thin film or web-like structure that can be easily deployed and tightened across the window area. This flexible design allows the tether to achieve full window coverage without requiring complex mechanical components, joints, or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether mechanism is designed to automatically deploy and tighten when the airbag inflates or when a collision is detected. The system uses the force of inflation or collision to drive the deployment process, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control mechanisms.
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
Effectively prevents passenger ejection through window openings during accidents by ensuring comprehensive coverage without increasing airbag size or complexity, enhancing safety and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable airbag (200) that is configured to cover a portion of the window opening (110)
Implementation Method 2
a tethered ejection mitigation panel (300) attached to a tether (310) that is attached to the inflatable airbag (200)
Data Source
AI summary
An ejection mitigation system for use in a motor vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags and at least one ejection mitigation panel which is not integral with an inflatable airbag and wherein the ejection mitigation panel is attached to at least one point below the belt line of the motor vehicle.