Under-Thigh Side Airbag Layout for Far-Side Occupant Excursion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side impact airbags do not effectively prevent occupants from shifting out of their seats during far side impacts, leading to undesirable stresses on the occupant due to uncontrolled excursions towards the vehicle center.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a selectively deployable under thigh side impact airbag (UT-SIAB) mounted in one of the side bolsters, activated by a crash sensor when a side impact force exceeds a threshold, which inflates to constrain lateral movement of the occupant away from the impact side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If side impact air bags are deployed, then occupant protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air bag system serves multiple functions through a unified design. The same air bag structure and activation mechanism can respond to different impact scenarios (near-side and far-side impacts) by selectively deploying the appropriate air bag. The system integrates sensing, decision-making, and deployment functions into a coordinated multi-functional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The air bag is nested within the seat structure, specifically positioned within the seat base or seat back framework. This nesting approach allows the air bag to be integrated into the existing seat design without requiring separate mounting structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness.
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 UT-SIAB effectively limits occupant excursions and reduces the risk of injury by forming a barrier that prevents the occupant's thigh and pelvis from impacting the console, thereby minimizing undesirable stresses and potential injuries.
Implementation Method 1
A selectively deployable under thigh side impact air bag (UT-SIAB) mounted in one of the side bolsters, activated by a crash sensor when a side impact force exceeds a threshold, which inflates to constrain lateral movement of the occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat mountable in a vehicle, in accordance with a non-limiting example includes a seat back and a seat base connected to the seat back. The seat base includes a first side bolster and a second side bolster, and a selectively deployable air bag mounted in one of the first side bolster and the second side bolster.