Variable Airbag Tether Control for Seat-Adaptive Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag systems lack the ability to variably control their deployment based on the seat state and passenger posture, which can affect the effectiveness of passenger protection during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A variable control apparatus for airbags that includes tethers with adjustable lengths, a release mechanism, and a controller to modify the deployment shape of the airbag based on collision direction, seat state, and passenger posture, allowing for high-pressure, middle-pressure, or low-pressure deployment modes depending on specific conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag deployment is fixed without variable control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the passenger protection effectiveness deteriorates when seat configuration does not match the deployment parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag deployment system transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic variable configuration. The patent implements variable control of airbag deployment parameters including deployment pressure (high-pressure, middle-pressure, low-pressure modes), deployment shape (fully deployed, partially deployed with tethers), and deployment timing based on real-time detection of seat rotation angle and reclining angle. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal protection effectiveness across different seat configurations without requiring multiple separate airbag systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key deployment parameters based on detected seat state. When the seat rotation angle exceeds a first threshold angle or the reclining angle exceeds a second threshold angle, the controller adjusts deployment pressure from high-pressure mode to low-pressure or middle-pressure mode. The deployment shape is also modified by selectively deploying tethers to create different airbag configurations. These parameter changes optimize passenger protection while avoiding unnecessary high-force deployment in non-standard seat positions.
2Force
If the airbag deploys in high-pressure mode for all front collisions, then the protection force is maximized, but the risk of passenger injury from excessive pressure increases when the seat is in a reclined or rotated position
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect seat rotation angle and reclining angle before airbag deployment. Based on this feedback information, the controller determines the appropriate deployment pressure mode. When the seat is detected to be in a non-standard position (rotation angle exceeds first threshold or reclining angle exceeds second threshold), the system automatically reduces deployment pressure from high-pressure mode to low-pressure or middle-pressure mode, preventing excessive force application to the passenger while maintaining adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and assessment of seat configuration before the actual collision occurs. The controller continuously monitors seat position parameters and pre-determines the appropriate deployment pressure mode based on the detected seat state. This preliminary action ensures that when a front collision occurs, the airbag deploys with the correct pressure level already prepared, avoiding both excessive force and insufficient protection.
3Area of stationary object
If the airbag cushion is fully deployed in all cases, then the coverage area is maximized, but the device complexity and potential for unnecessary deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag deployment system is segmented into multiple deployment modes: full deployment, partial deployment with tethers, and no deployment. Tethers are introduced as separate controllable elements that can selectively restrict airbag expansion in specific directions. This segmentation allows the system to provide targeted coverage area adjustment based on seat configuration, maintaining adequate protection area while avoiding unnecessary full deployment in all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial deployment action when full deployment is not necessary or appropriate. Based on detected seat position, the controller may deploy the airbag cushion partially by maintaining tether constraints, providing sufficient protection coverage for the passenger's actual position without the excessive coverage and complexity of full deployment. This partial action optimizes the balance between coverage area and system simplicity.
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
Enhances passenger protection by optimizing airbag deployment according to various seat configurations and collision scenarios, ensuring effective cushioning and minimizing unnecessary deployment, thereby improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator provided to deploy the airbag cushion in a high-pressure mode, a middle-pressure mode, or a low-pressure mode based on a deployment pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A variable control apparatus for an airbag of a vehicle includes: a plurality of tethers each of which having one side coupled to a front sheath among a plurality of sheaths of an airbag cushion, each of the plurality of tethers formed to have a length shorter than a distance between the front sheath and a rear sheath when the airbag cushion is fully deployed; a release mechanism provided at a rear sheath side of the airbag cushion, connected to the respective other sides of the plurality of tethers, and selectively releasing a tether among the plurality of tethers upon an operation of the release mechanism; and a controller configured to variably control a deployment shape of the airbag cushion by operating the release mechanism based on a collision direction of the vehicle, a seat state of a seat of the vehicle, or a sitting posture of a passenger in the vehicle.