Torso Stabilization Restraint with Inflatable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current restraining systems inadequately stabilize the torso during oblique vehicle collisions, leading to high localized deflections and inadequate protection against impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A torso stabilization restraint system comprising three inflatable modules that deploy, connect, and inflate to form a unified support around the torso, providing radially inward directed pressure in conjunction with the vehicle seat to inhibit localized deflections and protect against impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If current restraining systems (seat belts and airbags) are used, then the occupant is restrained and impact forces are buffered, but the torso experiences high localized deflections during oblique collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into three separate inflatable modules (first module for chest, second module for abdomen, third module for side) that can be deployed independently to different regions of the torso, providing localized stabilization where needed during oblique collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system transitions from traditional one-dimensional seat belts to three-dimensional inflatable modules that wrap around multiple surfaces of the torso (front, side, and abdomen), providing stabilization in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously
2Force
If side- and front-impact air bags and seat belts are used, then the occupant's momentum is counteracted and impact forces are buffered, but complex loading conditions cause high localized deflections
Solution Approach 1:
Each inflatable module is designed to provide specific stabilization qualities for different torso regions: the first module stabilizes the chest area, the second module stabilizes the abdomen, and the third module stabilizes the side, with each module optimized for its local structural requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple inflatable modules with different deployment characteristics and structural properties to create a composite restraint system that handles complex loading conditions better than single-material systems, distributing forces across diverse material properties
3Reliability
If traditional restraining systems are used, then the occupant is restrained during collision, but the system does not provide adequate protection against high localized deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable modules are deployed in advance of the actual impact during oblique collisions, inflating to the appropriate volume before the collision forces are fully applied, thereby preemptively establishing the stabilization structure needed to counteract localized deflections
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable modules provide cushioning protection before the full impact force is applied, creating a protective barrier around the torso that absorbs and distributes collision forces, preventing direct transmission of high localized deflections to the body
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 system effectively stabilizes the torso and reduces localized deflections during collisions by exerting inward pressure, enhancing protection against both oblique and frontal impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable first module, an inflatable second module, an inflatable third module... When the first, second, and third modules are inflated and connected, the torso stabilization restraint and the seat combine to exert radially inward directed pressure on a torso of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A torso stabilization restraint configured to restrain a user in a seat, includes an inflatable first module, an inflatable second module, an inflatable third module, and connectors arranged on one or more of the modules. The connectors are configured to reversibly connect a) the first module and the second module, and b) the second module and the third module when the first, second, and third modules are inflated. When the first, second, and third modules are inflated and connected, the torso stabilization restraint and the seat combine to exert radially inward directed pressure on a torso of the user. The first and second modules are deployable from a seat. The second module is deployable from a seat belt, is arranged between the first and second modules, and is configured to couple to the first and second modules when the modules are inflated.